The Indian Railways has expanded the reach of the Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir. The service, which previously operated between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, is now extended to Jammu Tawi. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the extended service on April 30, 2026, to better connect the Kashmir Valley with the primary rail hub of Jammu.
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What are the key updates for the Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat?
The railway department has significantly increased the train’s capacity to handle more passengers. The train now runs with 20 coaches, up from the original 8 coaches. Regular operations on this extended route will start from May 2, 2026. The service will operate two pairs of trains six days a week, covering the distance of about 267 km in less than five hours.
How will this impact connectivity and future travel?
This extension is seen as a major step toward improving tourism and regional development in J&K. The train uses special winterisation technology to run safely in heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. Railway officials mentioned that this development paves the way for a future direct Vande Bharat service from New Delhi to Srinagar.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inauguration Date | April 30, 2026 |
| Regular Start Date | May 2, 2026 |
| Old Coach Capacity | 8 Coaches |
| New Coach Capacity | 20 Coaches |
| Travel Time | Under 5 Hours |
| Frequency | 6 Days a Week |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the regular Jammu Tawi to Srinagar Vande Bharat service start?
The regular services on the extended route from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar are scheduled to begin from May 2, 2026.
How many coaches are now available in this train?
To meet the high passenger demand, the train capacity has been increased from 8 coaches to 20 coaches.
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