Railway Minister flags off 20-coach Vande Bharat Jammu-Srinagar service

Jammu, Apr 30: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw Thursday asserted that extension of rail link to Uri from Baramulla was among the major focus areas yet the work would be undertaken with great caution ensuring not to disturb apple orchards or spoil pristine beauty and ecology of the area.

Vaishnaw, who is also the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, stated that similar cautions, imperative for young mountains (Himalayan region) would be taken in case of other big-ticket project to link Rajouri and Poonch with rail, for which DPR was being prepared.

He made these assertions while speaking to the media persons, after flagging off the newly extended 20-coach Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Srinagar at Jammu Railway Station – thus directly linking two capital cities of J&K, in an epoch-making moment.

Vaishnaw flagged off the extended train in presence of the Union Minister of State in PMO, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh; J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Members of Parliament Ghulam Ali Khatana and Sat Paul Sharma besides other dignitaries.

The Union Minister, while referring to major push in connectivity across J&K through big projects including Jammu-Srinagar direct train service and redevelopment of Jammu Railway Station, presently underway, maintained that Article 370 abrogation had unleashed development surge in J&K’

Pointing towards the huge success of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express (extended to Jammu on Thursday, April 30, 2026), he described the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s appreciation for railway services and PM’s vision as “very heartening.”

Vaishnaw announced that the railway line doubling between Qazigund, Baramulla was also underway, besides other measures to augment capacity of Jammu-Srinagar rail line – a major focus area.

Later, he travelled on board Vande Bharat to Katra station and inspected Anji, Chenab bridges in Reasi district on the USBRL corridor, before returning to the union capital.

The extended train, which so far used to operate between Katra and Srinagar, will have a regular run from May 2, 2026.

Vaishnaw also announced that besides augmented 20-coach Vande Bharat Express, existing 8 coach Vande Bharat Express, would also continue to operate.

Union Minister for Railways, himself, summed up his day-long visit to Jammu region by posting a small quote with a brief video clipping of his address and scenes from inside the extended train on the move, on his ‘X’ handle.

“Seamless connectivity strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s growth story. Flagged off the newly extended 20-coach Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Srinagar, along with Chief Minister of J&K @OmarAbdullah Ki and Union Minister@DrJitendra Singh Ji,” he posted.

Earlier speaking to media persons, he said, “Today 20-coach Vande Bharat Jammu-Srinagar service has started from Jammu. One year ago, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Jammu Srinagar link – rail line. That time the 8-coach train from Katra started to operate. In Jammu, the construction of platforms was underway.”

He noted with appreciation that the train, which was started then, was presently operating with full capacity – 100 percent capacity.

“Keeping in view the surging demand, a special 20-coach train has been designed. Normally when an 8-coach train runs with full capacity, then it is augmented to 16-coach and when it also operates with full capacity then it is increased to 20-coach. Here the demand is so high that it (train) has been straightway upgraded to 20-coach. So far, 5.50 lakh passengers have already travelled in the presently operational Vande Bharat Express,” Vaishnaw informed.

He asserted that that Vande Bharat service had generated unprecedented enthusiasm among the people.

“The service has become hugely popular. Today even the Chief Minister has candidly appreciated the Vande Bharat- railway services and praised the vision of the Prime Minister. The way he did it – was heartening. It left a very positive impact,” he observed.

Vaishnaw stated it was also very reassuring to note that the people of J&K accepted and welcomed railways’ work and its service wholeheartedly.

Referring to certain innovations and experiments vis-à-vis Vande Bharat Express service, he informed, “The train, which departs from Jammu train, serves Dogri cuisine to make people familiar with the culinary culture of the region. Similarly, the train which operates from Kashmir offers Kashmiri cuisine.”

He pointed out that the railway line brought transformational change in cargo (services) in J&K.

“Now the transportation of cars, automobiles, two-wheelers, cement, steel, salt has become easier. The most significant factor is that over 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported from Srinagar (Kashmir) valley to the rest of the country. Similarly, the benefit of transportation of cherries and varied types of dry-fruits has been accrued from this (rail) service,” Vaishnaw said.

Spelling out focus area, he said, “Now the major focus will be to enhance the capacity of Jammu-Srinagar railway line. For this purpose, many key infrastructure initiatives, projects are being undertaken viz., automatic signalling systems to pave the way for operation of more than one train on a single section; construction of additional crossing stations are being undertaken to enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless train movement. Other technological and operational innovations are also being introduced.”

He said that the efforts were underway to initiate and turn big projects of connecting Rajouri-Poonch with train and linking Uri beyond Baramulla with rail-line into a reality. They were the focussed areas for the Railway ministry which received demands in this connection from several quarters, including those from Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and other local MPs, he informed.

The Railway Minister stated that the Prime Minister was also focusing on the realisation of those big J&K projects. He informed that Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch rail alignment was almost completed and Its DPR was being prepared. “Once the DPR gets finalised, it will be sent for cabinet approval,” he said. Vaishnaw described the capacity increase vis-a-vis Jammu Srinagar rail line and security maintenance also as the priority focus areas.

URI-BARAMULLA RAIL PROJECT TO BE FOCUS AREA

Vaishnaw said that another major focus was to extend the railway line from Baramulla towards Uri.

“Baramulla-Uri connectivity will bring huge benefit to all Uri residents,” he maintained and assured that the work on this line would be undertaken with great caution ensuring not to disturb apple orchards.

“Proper care will be taken not to disturb or spoil the pristine splendour – natural beauty or ecology of the area,” Union Railway Minister affirmed.

“Secondly, the project to link Rajouri and Poonch with rail is also being undertaken. In this case, at present DPR (Detailed Project Report) is being prepared. It is a very big, detailed project as it falls in the hilly area. As you know, these projects have to be executed with great care and caution in the hilly areas, particularly in young mountains – Himalaya,” Vaishnaw informed.

He stated that Delhi–Ambala four-laning project was already approved by the Prime Minister.

DEVELOPMENT SURGE IN J&K POST ARTICLE 370

He also noted that the union cabinet approval for the Delhi–Ambala four-laning project would further enhance capacity, connectivity and provide benefits to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir while Jammu-Jalandhar double-lining (doubling) was completed.

“Jammu Railway Station is undergoing a transformational redevelopment process. It has been redeveloped very aesthetically. Once completed it will look wonderful,” he stated, while showing a projectional-pictograph of redeveloped Jammu Railway Station.

The Union Minister for Railways informed that the work on the second entry was almost completed. “Two platforms have been completed while two platforms are presently under-construction. Work on construction of service line, washing line and other related projects is apace. Overall, this will be a major achievement for the people of Jammu and Kashmir post Article 370,” he said.

“The abrogation of Article 370 has unleashed the stream of development in J&K. With a renewed push, the UT is witnessing a surge in development activities,” he stated, while showing a pictograph depicting the Jammu-Poonch rail link (project) DPR work, which was underway,” Vaishnaw asserted.

With regard to security concerns, the Union Railway Minister said, “To address security concerns, in a focussed way, very high-tech sensors and CCTV cameras have been installed at many places. A control room has been set up. The work on addressing security concerns has been done in a very systematic manner with the coordination of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Ministry of Home Affairs at the Centre and all other stakeholders (in the security arena).”

Responding to a query about the challenges confronting, Vaishnaw described the last winter season as the “biggest challenge” so far.

“The period of snowfall during last winter-season was the most challenging. One to two-feet of snow was accumulated on the (railway) track but the train service was neither stopped even for a single day nor delayed as we were well-prepared for all challenges. We have a specific design of Vande Bharat for high-altitude areas. Vande Bharat trains for Jammu and Kashmir are specially designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as minus 10 degree Celsius,” he pointed out.

Vaishnaw stated that the trains were equipped with advanced operating systems and electronics suited for high-altitude conditions and these specifications of 8-coach trains (Vande Bharat) were tested during last winter season.

“The (last winter) season was a learning experience for us. So, all shortcomings, which we noticed, were rectified and improvement features were incorporated in 8-coach as well as in 20-coach trains,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering at Jammu Railway Station, before flagging off the extended train, Vaishnaw described it as a landmark achievement in the history of Indian Railways.

He highlighted the transformative impact of the service for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, terming it an important lifeline that provided seamless connectivity, promoted tourism and strengthened the regional economy.

The Minister emphasised that improved rail connectivity in J&K significantly boosted freight operations and contributed to reducing the cost of essential commodities, including cement priced below Rs 50 per bag. He informed that efficient logistics enabled the supply of essential goods, including products from Amul. He added that transportation of perishable produce such as cherries was also expected to become easier, benefiting farmers and traders in the region.

Vaishnaw informed that two Vande Bharat services comprising 20-coach configurations were now operational, with a focus on ensuring stability and maintenance in the challenging Himalayan terrain and tunnel systems. He further stated that work was underway for doubling of the railway line between Qazigund and Baramulla to enhance capacity.

He highlighted that the government was undertaking key infrastructure initiatives, including the redevelopment of Jammu Railway Station with additional platforms and improvements in the Jalandhar–Jammu rail link.

Vaishnaw pointed out that improved connectivity significantly enhanced the ease of transportation of both goods and passengers in the region. He said that it would benefit passengers from all over the country by providing access by railways to the hilly region of Jammu and Kashmir by a single exchange at Jammu round the year with services being provided twice a day.

“The improved rail network has facilitated faster and more reliable movement of horticultural and perishable produce such as apples, cherries, milk and other fruits from the Valley to markets across the country,” he said.

Vaishnaw informed that a total of four railway stations were currently being constructed or upgraded across Jammu and Kashmir to provide improved passenger amenities and infrastructure. On the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Minister assured that special arrangements would be made by the Railways to facilitate pilgrims, with a focus on safety and convenience.

MLAs Dr Narendra Singh, Vikram Randhawa, Yudhvir Sethi too were present on the occasion. Senior railway officials, including Northern Railway General Manager Rajesh Kumar Pandey and Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, welcomed the dignitaries.

During the ceremony, cultural programmes presented by schoolgirls added to the festive spirit of the occasion.

After reaching Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station following the Jammu Railway Station event, the Union Minister for Railways inspected the Anji Bridge and the Chenab Bridge on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and reviewed ongoing projects.

He was accompanied by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh and senior railway officials.

REGULAR RUN OF TRAIN FROM MAY 2 WITH ADDITIONAL HALT AT UDHAMPUR

Two pairs of services will operate across the corridor, covering a distance of 266.66 kms and reducing the distance between two capital cities to less than five hours.

Fully air-conditioned, this train is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as the ‘Kavach’ safety system, automatic doors, a GPS-based passenger information system and comfortable rotating seats.

The first service (train number 26401) will depart Jammu Tawi at 6.20 am and halt at Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal. It will reach Srinagar at 11.10 am, covering a journey of four hours and fifty minutes.

According to him, on the return journey, train number 26402 will leave Srinagar at 2 pm and reach Jammu Tawi by 6.50 pm. This pair will run six days a week, except Tuesday.

The second train (number 26404) will depart Srinagar at 8 am, halt at Banihal, Katra, Udhampur and will arrive at Jammu Tawi by 12.40 pm. On the return journey, train number 26403 will depart Jammu Tawi at 1.20 pm and reach Srinagar by 6 pm. This pair will run six days a week, except Wednesday.

Passengers can book their tickets at railway counters or through the IRCTC website.

As per railway officials, together, the two pairs ensure that passengers have a morning and an afternoon Vande Bharat option from both ends of the corridor on most days of the week, giving travellers meaningful flexibility in planning their journeys.