Vande Bharat Debuts on Jammu–Srinagar Route: Strong First Run, Passengers Hail Speed and Certainty | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The first commercial run of the Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar on Saturday recorded an encouraging passenger response, with Northern Railway reporting around 70 per cent occupancy and widespread satisfaction among travellers.

According to officials, Train No. 26401 carried nearly 940 passengers from Jammu to Srinagar, while another service on the same route transported close to 1,000 passengers. On the return leg, over 1,990 passengers travelled from Srinagar to Jammu, marking a strong turnout on the inaugural day.

The service, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, reduces travel time between the two cities to approximately four hours and 45 minutes, significantly cutting down the duration compared to road journeys along the often unpredictable Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

At Srinagar railway station, the atmosphere was marked by anticipation as passengers boarded the train early in the morning, many capturing the moment on their phones. For several travellers, the journey represented the realisation of a long-standing aspiration, direct rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu.

Throughout the journey, passengers highlighted not just the reduced travel time but also the reliability the service offers. Road travel between the two regions has frequently been disrupted by landslides and adverse weather, making journey durations uncertain. The train, by contrast, offers a predictable schedule and a smoother travel experience.

Inside the 20-coach train, travellers were seen settling into spacious seating, engaging in conversations, and taking in the changing landscape, from the green fields and orchards of south Kashmir to the tunnels and mountainous stretches of the Jammu region. The route includes key stops at Banihal, Katra and Udhampur, and passes major engineering landmarks such as the Chenab Railway Bridge.

Passengers also pointed to improved comfort compared to long road journeys, noting the ability to move around, rest and avoid the physical strain typically associated with hours spent on the highway. The service is expected to particularly benefit frequent travellers, including government employees, security personnel and tourists, by offering both convenience and time efficiency.

Railway officials said the train is equipped with advanced winterisation features, enabling operations even in sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, conditions that often disrupt connectivity in the region.

Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, the service is being seen as a major milestone in integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network. Officials added that the strong initial response reflects growing public confidence and that the service is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region.