Finally, Jammu-Srinagar to have direct train from April 30

Jammu, Apr 24: Finally, the long wait for direct Jammu-Srinagar train will be over as Jammu Division of the Northern Railway on Friday announced the extension of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi from April 30.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Jammu Railway Division UchitSinghal, while speaking to Greater Kashmir, stated that the Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag-off the inaugural special train from Jammu Tawi Railway Station for Srinagar on the scheduled day. 

In yet another significant development, the extended Vande Bharat Express will operate, directly between Jammu and Srinagar, with 20 coaches instead of the current 8 coaches.

The inaugural train will have a single halt at Katra (for boarding or deboarding).

“The date and timings for the regular operations of this train will be announced separately in due course,” Singhal said, with a regular caution that the schedule was subject to last minute changes.

Following the formal announcement of extension of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to Jammu by the Northern Railway, the Union Minister of State in PMO DrJitendra Singh too shared the heartening news through a post on his personal ‘X’ handle.

DrJitendra is to accompany the Railway Minister in the flagging-off ceremony at Jammu on April 30, 2026.  

“Good news for #Jammu-#Srinagar Vande Bharat Express travellers! Another gift from the #narendramodi government for the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” read the screaming opening line of DrJitendra’s post.

“The Vande Bharat Express, currently running between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will be extended up to Jammu Tawi from April 30. Additionally, the train will now operate with 20 coaches instead of 8, significantly enhancing capacity, connectivity, and comfort. This move is set to further promote tourism and accelerate regional development,” DrJitendra posted.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF INAUGURAL RUN

Earlier the Jammu Railway Division issued a formal statement in this connection, while giving a brief schedule of the inaugural run of extended train service.

“Northern Railway takes pride in announcing the extension of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi, for the convenience of passengers within the Jammu Division,” it stated.

As per the schedule, a grand ceremony will mark the extension on April 30, 2026, as an inaugural special advanced Vande Bharat take comprising 20 coaches (train number 02601), will depart from Jammu Tawi (JAT) (Railway Station).

As per the tentative schedule, from Jammu, its journey will commence at 10.30 am. It will have a halt at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station from 11.54 to 11.59 am for boarding and deboarding. The train will reach Srinagar – its destination station- at 3.05 pm.

The officials stated that the date and timings for the regular operations of this train would be announced separately in due course.

JAMMU-SRINAGAR DISTANCE TO BE COVERED IN LESS THAN 5 HOURS

With the extension, the passengers can travel between Jammu and Srinagar in less than five hours, a substantial reduction in travel time compared to road journeys.

Besides a major boost to the rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir with faster, safer and more reliable travel options to thousands of passengers, the direct train will meet a long pending demand of the people of the region.

Road connectivity in this region, particularly along the Srinagar Jammu National Highway, often faces disruptions due to landslides, heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.

The extension of Vande Bharat services, in this backdrop, will offer a dependable, all-weather alternative that ensures safety, comfort and punctuality.

The semi high-speed Vande Bharat trains are equipped with modern passenger amenities, enhanced safety features and improved ride comfort, making the journey not only faster but also more convenient.

The extension is expected to greatly benefit local residents, promote tourism, facilitate trade and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project was dedicated to the nation on June 6, 2025 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following its dedication, there was a strong and consistent demand from residents, traders, students and tourists to connect Jammu directly with Srinagar through a semi high-speed Vande Bharat service.

Interestingly, earlier this extension (of Katra-Srinagar train to Jammu) was scheduled for March 1, 2026.

Even on February 24, the announcement was made for the inaugural run (for March 1, 2026) yet same day in the evening, the Railway Board put the notified schedule about the extension of Shri Mata VaishnodeviKatra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express train service up to Jammu on hold.

Through a late evening communication (on February 24), it was stated that the notification was put on hold by the Railway due to some unavoidable circumstances.

“Due to some unavoidable circumstances, the notification programme of Vande Bharat extension from March 1 has been put on hold by Railway Board till further advice. Further information as and when received will be shared,” officials had notified.