#JAMMU: In a historic boost to rail connectivity in #Jammu and #Kashmir, the much-anticipated #Jammu–#Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was officially launched today, marking a new era of fast, modern, and all-weather transportation between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. That the twin capital cities, Jammu and Srinagar were directly connected by the train service. The historic Vande Bharat Express, flagged off by Union Railways Minister #AshwiniVaishnaw, created history by linking the two capitals for the first time.
Originally inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendera Modi on June 6 last year, the service had remained limited for nearly eight months to the Katra-Srinagar corridor. Today’s launch marked the first time the full 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) — a Rs. 44 thousand-crore project completed over 25 years. The state-of-the-art train service is part of the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project, aimed at seamlessly connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country via rail.
The regular passenger services on the route will commence from May 2, providing a significant travel alternative for residents, tourists, and businesses. The first pair (Train No. 26401/26402) will operate six days a week except Tuesdays, covering the distance in four hours and 50 minutes. A second pair (Train No. 26403/26404) will run six days a week except Wednesdays. Designed to operate efficiently in the region’s challenging terrain and weather conditions, the Vande Bharat train comes equipped with advanced safety systems, heated windshields, and enhanced braking mechanisms.
The train will drastically cut down travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a comfortable and swift journey through the picturesque Himalayan landscape. The launch is expected to give a major push to tourism, trade, and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
The improved connectivity is also likely to benefit local industries, horticulture sectors, and small businesses by ensuring faster and more reliable transport of goods and passengers. The introduction of the Vande Bharat service has been widely welcomed by the public, who see it as a transformative step toward regional development and integration.
Authorities have also ensured that security and operational protocols are in place ahead of the full-scale rollout. With this development, Jammu and Kashmir moves closer to becoming fully integrated into India’s modern railway network, enhancing accessibility while showcasing the region’s strategic and economic importance.
