In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the first direct Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to the Kashmir valley on Thursday. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the region.
The flagging-off ceremony took place at the Jammu railway station, where prominent figures, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, were present. Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s commitment to connect remote areas, including Uri, to the national rail network.
Following the recent completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the minister announced that detailed project reports (DPRs) have been drafted to establish railway lines in Poonch, Rajouri, and extend services to Uri.
“We will focus on connecting Poonch and Rajouri with rail connectivity,” Vaishnaw stated, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving transportation infrastructure.
The introduction of direct train services between Srinagar and Jammu is poised to cut travel time significantly, benefiting both travelers and the tourism sector. This train service marks a pivotal improvement, offering an all-weather transport link between the twin capitals of the union territory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first direct train service connecting Katra to Srinagar on June 6, 2025, which has now been extended to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Over the years, the ambitious Rs 43,780-crore rail project has linked Kashmir to the nation’s broader rail network.
“This train service is a major landmark for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Vaishnaw remarked, noting the popularity of the train that now operates with greater passenger capacity due to increasing demand. The initial eight-coach configuration has been expanded to 20 coaches to accommodate 1,400 passengers.
This growth in capacity highlights the substantial interest in the service, which has been essential for transporting goods, including construction materials and agricultural products from the region.
Vaishnaw explained, “Now, it has been made into a 20-coach train, and we expect it to optimize movement for both passengers and freight.” Approximately 2 crore kg (20,000 tons) of apples and other fruit have already been transported via this service, he added, reflecting its immediate impact on the local economy.
In terms of operational capabilities, the Vande Bharat Express can endure adverse weather conditions. “We can run this train in minus 10 degrees Celsius,” Vaishnaw confirmed, citing its reliability even during heavy snowfall.
Chief Minister Abdullah conveyed his gratitude towards the central government and the Railways Minister for enhancing the connectivity across the region. “I want to congratulate and thank Vaishnaw and, through him, the central government for connecting Jammu with Kashmir through rail,” Abdullah stated, underscoring the trade benefits brought by this service.
Abdullah also proposed setting up an inland port in Jammu and Kashmir for smoother customs clearance, facilitating the export of goods directly from the region.
The CM emphasized how the railway connectivity has been long-awaited by the people, transforming the travel dynamics between Jammu and Srinagar, removing the need for road transport via Katra.
“This service will not only streamline passenger movement but significantly boost trade and commerce,” Abdullah concluded.
As the region continues to adapt to the evolving transportation landscape, Jitendra Singh noted that the direct train services will pave the way for further economic growth and tourism opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. “It was due to the PM’s efforts that the train service became a reality after more than four decades,” Singh affirmed, underscoring the monumental nature of this achievement.
