Vande Bharat halt at Anantnag sparks optimism over tourism, trade and connectivity

Srinagar, Jun 11: The Centre’s decision to introduce a stoppage for the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag railway station has sparked optimism across south Kashmir, with residents, traders and political leaders saying the move will improve connectivity, facilitate travel and provide a boost to tourism and business in the region.

The new halt, announced following discussions between Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, fulfils a long-pending demand of residents of South Kashmir, who had sought direct access to the flagship train service since its launch on the Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor.
Anantnag, the largest railway station between Banihal and Srinagar, serves as a commercial hub for South Kashmir and provides access to several tourist destinations, including Pahalgam, Verinag, Kokernag, Daksum, Achabal, Chatapal, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Aharbal.
“We are very much thankful to the Railway Minister for listening to our demand and also to the Chief Minister for pursuing the matter,” said Khurshid Ahmad Dar, president of the Sumo Stand Association near Harnag railway station.

Dar said the decision would benefit students, employees, traders and transporters travelling to and from Kashmir.
“Tourists can now get down at Anantnag and directly travel to destinations in South Kashmir instead of first going to Srinagar. This will save time and make travel more convenient,” he said.
He said the new halt would also make travel easier for pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra through the Pahalgam route.
Business leaders said the decision would strengthen Anantnag’s role as South Kashmir’s commercial centre.
“This was a long-standing demand of the people of South Kashmir, particularly the business community,” said Shah Sajad Hakeem, chairman of the Trade Federation Anantnag.

“We express our sincere gratitude to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for accepting this demand. We also thank Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi for their efforts in taking up the issue and ensuring that the concerns of the people were heard,” Hakeem said.
“Anantnag is the commercial hub of South Kashmir. Improved rail accessibility will make travel easier for traders and contribute positively towards tourism, employment generation and the local economy,” he added.
Congress senior leader and Dooru MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir welcomed the move, describing it as a major development for the region.
” Heartfelt thanks to Ashwani Vaishnaw and CM Omar Abdullah.This landmark decision will enhance connectivity, boost economic activity and benefit commuters, students, traders and tourists across South Kashmir,” Mir said in a post on X.
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said the stoppage addressed a genuine public demand that had been raised repeatedly.
In a post on X, Dar said, “The decision to provide a stoppage for the Vande Bharat train at Anantnag is a welcome and long-awaited step. This demand was consistently raised by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference at every available forum. We are pleased that the Hon’ble Railway Minister has acceded to this genuine public demand.”
He added, “The people of Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian districts are grateful to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the leadership of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference for remaining at the forefront of this issue and ensuring that the voice of the people was heard. This development will greatly benefit commuters, students, traders and patients across South Kashmir.”

Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo) also welcomed the decision.
In a post on X, Kaloo said, “Extending my heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for graciously considering my request on behalf of the people of South Kashmir regarding a stoppage of the Vande Bharat train at Anantnag. This step will greatly benefit the people of the region and improve connectivity.”
The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express currently operates between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, covering nearly 269 kilometres in about four hours and 45 minutes.

Before the latest decision, it halted at Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan station in Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal.
Two Vande Bharat train sets are operating on a daily basis in Kashmir.
 The service was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, between Srinagar and Katra.
In April this year, the Ministry of Railways increased the number of coaches in each Vande Bharat train from 16 to 20 following a rise in passenger demand. The service was subsequently extended from Katra to Jammu Tawi.

Railway officials said the addition of Anantnag as a halt would improve rail access for residents of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama while strengthening links between South Kashmir and one of the Union Territory’s fastest-growing transport corridors.
Freight trains are already operating regularly on the route.