Indian Railways has significantly strengthened its network in the Jammu Division, marking a transformative period for rail travel in the region. During the 2025-26 period, the national transporter introduced four pairs of new train services to improve connectivity, including two pairs of high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains. This update was shared by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha on July 22, 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of the Jammu Division, which was established as the 70th division of Indian Railways in January 2025.
- Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express launched on August 10, 2025.
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Budgam Express commenced operations on March 12, 2026.
- Two pairs of Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express services began on June 7, 2025.
- The Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat rake was upgraded from 8 to 20 coaches to meet high demand.
Enhanced Connectivity to Srinagar
A major highlight of this expansion is the direct service between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. Flagged off by Minister Vaishnaw on April 30, 2026, with regular operations starting on May 2, 2026, this train has revolutionized travel in the valley. The service covers an approximate distance of 266 km in just 4 hours and 50 minutes. To ensure maximum utility, the train makes strategic halts at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal.
These new additions complement the existing two Vande Bharat trains that connect New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. As of July 18, 2026, Indian Railways is successfully operating 164 Vande Bharat services across the country. The Railway Minister emphasized that the introduction of such services is an ongoing process, determined by operational feasibility, existing line capacity, and real-time passenger demand. These developments reflect the government’s continued focus on integrating the Jammu and Kashmir region more closely with the rest of the national rail network.