The Railways Department has announced exciting plans to extend the Vande Bharat Express service from Jammu to Srinagar, aiming to enhance travel connectivity in the region. This initiative will enable seamless travel for commuters, tourists, and pilgrims who visit the beautiful valley.
Divisional Railway Manager Jammu, Vivek Kumar, confirmed the operational expansion of this semi-high-speed service. Preparations are underway to facilitate this significant development, although plans faced delays due to damage caused by recent floods and heavy rainfall.
“We are diligently working on the project. The delay occurred because of extensive damage to railway tracks due to floods and heavy rains. However, this service will soon be available to the residents of Jammu and surrounding areas,” Kumar stated during a press briefing. He assured that restoration efforts are progressing rapidly, and the Vande Bharat service will be launched as soon as necessary safety clearances are secured.
Introduced earlier this year, the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has already transformed travel by significantly reducing journey times between the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and the Kashmir Valley. The anticipated extension to Jammu is expected to further enhance regional connectivity, supporting both local commuters and an influx of pilgrims and tourists.
Upon operations starting, the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat service will run daily, promising improved travel comfort. It will offer a larger capacity and shorter journey time compared to current rail and road transport options. This will inevitably attract more visitors, boosting economic activity and stimulating tourism in the region.
