Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the direct Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar on Thursday, aiming to boost tourism and provide efficient transportation between the two regions. The announcement came during a flagging off ceremony held at the Jammu railway station, attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
During the event, Vaishnaw also revealed plans for future railway links to Uri, a border town in the Baramulla district, along with connections to remote areas like Poonch and Rajouri. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative follows the successful completion of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which has transformed travel in the region. Vaishnaw stated that detailed project reports (DPRs) are now prepared for these connections, and work will begin soon.
The recently inaugurated train service promises a significant reduction in travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, making travel more accessible for both locals and tourists. It aims to facilitate all-weather surface transport, which is crucial for this mountainous terrain.
This initiative falls under broader efforts initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the first direct train link between Katra and Srinagar in June 2025. The service has now expanded to include direct connections to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, fostering growth in the tourism sector.
As an integral part of the ₹43,780 crore rail project, this railway will connect the Kashmir Valley to the country for the first time, enhancing trade potential while offering ease of access for residents. Vaishnaw noted that the initial train operations began back in October 2008.
According to Vaishnaw, this new rail service has already gained immense popularity, running at full occupancy. “The demand for increasing the passenger capacity was overwhelming, leading us to extend the train from eight to 20 coaches,” he explained, emphasizing the direct impact on the local economy.
The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express delivers not just passenger transport but also facilitates goods transportation, enabling easier movement of products like cement and apples. Vaishnaw remarked, “The price of cement has dropped by ₹50 per bag due to this service, and around 20,000 tons of fruits have reached markets across India.”
Utilizing advanced technology, the Vande Bharat Express can operate under extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. Vaishnaw mentioned, “Despite heavy snowfall last winter, the trains operated without interruption, demonstrating the reliability of this service.”
CM Abdullah expressed gratitude toward the Union Minister for the new railway service, stating, “This has bridged a long-awaited gap for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, enabling smoother travel and trade.”
He further requested Vaishnaw to consider establishing an inland port in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate customs clearance for exports, urging the central government to support this vital initiative. Abdullah highlighted the need for a dry port in the region to streamline export processes.
“The railway connectivity will vastly improve our economy and provide direct benefits to the people. Goods like automobiles are now transported to Srinagar effortlessly,” he elaborated. Abdullah also applauded the significant rise in passenger numbers, reflecting the growing popularity of the service.
Minister of State Jitendra Singh emphasized that the direct train link between Jammu and Srinagar augurs well for economic growth, reiterating the importance of this service to tourists and pilgrims. He acknowledged that the PM’s vision made these advancements possible.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express marks a historic step forward for Jammu and Kashmir, promoting connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its residents.
