Vande Bharat Jammu-Srinagar: 20-coach train flagged off on April 30
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday, 30 April 2025, flagged off a direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, marking a new chapter in rail connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir. Regular public services on the route are set to commence from 2 May 2025, six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays.
Historic Rail Link Behind the Service
The rail link connecting Katra in Reasi district of Jammu division with the Kashmir Valley was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 June 2025, fulfilling a dream that eluded the region for nearly 70 years. Work on the project began in the late 1990s, with trains first reaching Udhampur in 2005 and the first intra-Valley service operating in October 2008. The total cost of establishing the Jammu-Kashmir rail link stood at a whopping ₹28,000 crore.
Engineering Marvel Across Himalayan Terrain
Widely regarded as one of the most challenging rail infrastructure projects in the world, laying tracks across the treacherous Himalayan terrain has been described as a marvel of engineering and human endeavour. The 20-coach Vande Bharat will cover a total distance of 267 kilometres on its inaugural run, connecting the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir across difficult geographical terrain. A simultaneous train will depart from Srinagar for Jammu on the same day.
What the Train Offers
Built using indigenous technology, the Vande Bharat Express features the 'Kavach' anti-collision safety system, a GPS-based passenger information system, and comfortable rotating seats. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said:
