The Ministry of Railways has officially greenlit the introduction of a third Vande Bharat Express service connecting Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. This strategic move, confirmed in an official communication dated August 18, 2026, aims to cater to the significant surge in passenger traffic and the increasing number of pilgrims traveling to the Vaishno Devi shrine. The addition of this service marks a major milestone in improving connectivity across the Kashmir Valley.
- New Service: Third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar.
- Train Numbers: Designated as 26407 and 26408.
- Route Inclusion: The train will operate via Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur station.
- Objective: To manage high passenger demand and improve regional connectivity.
Expanding Connectivity in the Kashmir Valley
This decision follows consistent advocacy by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to enhance rail infrastructure through the Udhampur region. The new service will complement the two existing Vande Bharat pairs (26401/26402 and 26404/26403), which currently provide four daily services. Since the inception of Vande Bharat operations in the region on June 6, 2025, and their subsequent extension to Jammu Tawi on April 30, 2026, the trains have witnessed consistently full occupancy, reflecting the high demand for modern, high-speed rail travel in the valley.
To manage the overwhelming passenger volume, Indian Railways has previously taken proactive steps, including increasing the coach capacity of existing trains from 16 to 20 cars. The 269-kilometer journey between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar typically covers the distance in approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours. The route includes key stoppages at Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal.
This expansion is part of a broader effort by the national transporter to ensure that the growing number of tourists and local commuters enjoy seamless, comfortable, and efficient travel. With the introduction of the 26407/26408 service, Indian Railways continues to reinforce its commitment to making the Kashmir rail network a lifeline for the region’s economy and tourism sector.