Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans to connect the districts of Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri in Jammu-Kashmir to the national rail network. This announcement happened on April 30, 2026, while flagging off the first direct Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar. The new train services will start regularly from May 2, 2026.
What are the updates on the Poonch-Rajouri rail line?
The Railway Ministry approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed new railway line from Reasi to Poonch on April 8, 2026. Northern Railway is handling this survey work with an estimated cost of 26.41 crore rupees. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously mentioned in the Rajya Sabha in February 2026 that the survey for the Rajouri-Poonch line is moving forward quickly.
Key highlights of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
The new Vande Bharat Express is designed to work in all weather conditions and can operate in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It features special piping to prevent water from freezing. To increase capacity and run more trains on the Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor, the government will also double the tracks.
Project details and strategic importance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Districts | Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri |
| Survey Route | Reasi to Poonch |
| Survey Cost | 26.41 Crore Rupees |
| Survey Agency | Northern Railway |
| Vande Bharat Start Date | May 2, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express start?
The train was flagged off on April 30, 2026, and will begin its regular services from May 2, 2026.
What is the status of the Reasi-Poonch railway line?
The Railway Ministry approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) on April 8, 2026, and Northern Railway is currently conducting the survey.
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