Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off a direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar on April 30, 2026. This move follows the official completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL). The service aims to improve regional connectivity and boost local trade in Jammu and Kashmir.
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What are the Vande Bharat service details?
The regular public operations for the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat will start from May 2, 2026. The train will run six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays. To handle more passengers, the train has been upgraded from 8 to 20 coaches. This service extends the previous Katra-Srinagar route to Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
How has the rail link helped cargo and trade?
The USBRL project has significantly changed how goods move in the region. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that approximately 2 crore kilograms of apples from Srinagar have already been transported by train. Apart from apples, dedicated bookings for cherry consignments have also started. The government plans to upgrade loading facilities at Badgam, Srinagar, and Pampore stations to increase parcel traffic.
Key project milestones and future plans
| Event/Feature | Date/Detail |
|---|---|
| USBRL Project Completion | March 13, 2026 |
| Official Lok Sabha Declaration | April 3, 2026 |
| Jammu Division Established | January 2025 |
| First Electric Train in Valley | February 2024 |
| Future Track Work | Doubling between Qazigund and Srinagar |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat start regular operations?
Regular public operations will begin on May 2, 2026, running six days a week except Tuesdays.
How many apples have been transported via the USBRL line?
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, approximately 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported from Srinagar by train.
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