Indian Railways will start a direct Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar from April 30, 2026. This service is an expansion of the existing Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train. The launch will be flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw from Jammu Railway Station.
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What is the schedule for the inaugural train
The first special train (number 02601) will leave Jammu Tawi at 10:30 AM and reach Srinagar by 3:05 PM. It will stop at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra from 11:54 AM to 11:59 AM. There will also be a stop at Bijbehara for crossing. The regular timetable will be announced by the railway authorities later.
What are the key features and route details
The train will cover a distance of 266.66 kilometers in less than 5 hours. To handle high demand, the train will have 20 coaches, increasing passenger capacity to over 1,400. It will pass through major engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | April 30, 2026 |
| Total Coaches | 20 Coaches |
| Travel Time | Less than 5 hours |
| Route Length | 266.66 km |
| Special Tech | Winterization (Heating systems) |
| Key Stops | Katra, Bijbehara |
How is the train prepared for extreme weather
The train is designed with winterization technology to ensure connectivity during heavy snowfall. It includes heating systems for pipelines, 1800W silicon heating pads in water tanks, and heated bio-toilets. The driver’s windshield has anti-fog heating for clear visibility, and the braking system uses air dryer heating.