Jammu, Sept 25 (NationPress) The Vande Bharat train, which is currently running from Katra in J&K’s Reasi district to Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley, is set to commence services from Jammu railway station to Srinagar soon, as confirmed by railway officials on Thursday.

Divisional Railway Manager, Vivek Kumar, informed the media, "The Vande Bharat train, which is presently linking Katra and Srinagar, will soon extend its route from Jammu railway station to Srinagar. Preparations are underway to enhance this semi-high-speed service."

He noted that the direct connection between Jammu and Srinagar via Vande Bharat had been postponed due to extensive damage to railway tracks resulting from recent persistent rainfall and flooding.

“Restoration efforts are in full swing, and the service will launch once all safety approvals are secured. We are diligently working on this. The postponement was due to significant damage caused by floods and heavy rain. However, this service will soon be available to the residents of Jammu," he added.

The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat service, which began earlier this year, has already shortened travel time between the Valley and the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

Extending this service to Jammu is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity, aiding pilgrims, tourists, students, traders, and the general populace.

Once operational, Vivek Kumar mentioned that the train is projected to operate daily, enhancing the connection between Jammu and Srinagar with greater travel comfort and reduced journey duration compared to current rail and road options.

The Jammu-Srinagar rail link is a remarkable engineering feat, employing advanced technology to navigate the challenging Himalayan region.

This link features the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, along with the country’s inaugural cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge.

Moreover, the Vande Bharat train traverses through more than two dozen tunnels before reaching the Valley.