KASHMIR COMES ON TRACK: FIRST PASSENGER TRAIN LINKS JAMMU AND SRINAGAR

For the first time, Jammu and Srinagar are connected by passenger train, marking a transformative leap in India’s rail network. The expanded Vande Bharat service promises seamless, all-weather access, boosting tourism, easing logistics, and strengthening economic integration while enhancing connectivity to key pilgrimage destinations across Jammu and Kashmir.

For generations, the notion of boarding a train in Jammu and arriving directly in Srinagar lingered as an aspiration shaped by geography and engineering challenges. That vision has now been realised, as India’s railway network extends its reach into the Kashmir Valley with the launch of a direct passenger train service linking Jammu Tawi and Srinagar for the first time.

Flagged off by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the extended Srinagar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express now runs up to Jammu Tawi, establishing a seamless rail corridor between two of the region’s most significant hubs. The development marks a historic milestone, transforming connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir and redefining travel across one of India’s most scenic yet logistically complex terrains.

Jammu Tawi, long recognised as a vital northern gateway, now assumes even greater importance. Already connected to major cities such as Kanyakumari, Howrah and Mumbai, the station’s integration into the Kashmir rail network enables travellers from across India to access the Valley with just a single interchange. This enhanced connectivity is expected to significantly ease travel to prominent pilgrimage destinations, including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath, while opening new possibilities for tourism.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express on this route also reflects the growing demand for modern, efficient rail services. Since its inauguration last June, the service has witnessed consistently high occupancy, prompting Indian Railways to expand capacity from eight to 20 coaches. The upgraded configuration is designed to accommodate rising passenger numbers while maintaining comfort and speed, reinforcing its role as a vital transport lifeline for the region.

Beyond passenger movement, the rail link is already reshaping the economic landscape of the Kashmir Valley. According to the Railway Minister, approximately 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported from the Valley to markets across the country, providing a reliable and cost-effective supply chain for one of the region’s most important agricultural products. At the same time, inward movement of essential goods such as cement has contributed to a reduction in construction costs, with prices reportedly falling by ₹50 per bag.

The rail network is also facilitating the steady flow of foodgrains, fertilisers, salt and milk into the Valley, strengthening supply chains and ensuring year-round availability of essential commodities. This all-weather connectivity is particularly significant for a region historically affected by seasonal disruptions, offering greater stability to both residents and businesses.

Indian Railways is continuing to invest in the region’s infrastructure to build on this momentum. Efforts to enhance line capacity within the Kashmir Valley are underway, aimed at supporting increased traffic and further boosting tourism and trade. Simultaneously, the Ambala–Jammu multitracking project is progressing, while plans for new rail lines to Poonch and Rajouri are being developed to improve connectivity in underserved areas.

As part of the broader Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, the Railway Minister also inspected the iconic Anji Khad and Chenab bridges—engineering landmarks that symbolise the scale and ambition of the undertaking. These structures not only enable connectivity across challenging terrain but also stand as testaments to India’s expanding infrastructure capabilities.

The direct rail connection between Jammu and Srinagar is more than a transport milestone; it is a catalyst for integration, growth and opportunity. By bringing the Kashmir Valley closer to the rest of the country, the railway is set to reshape journeys, strengthen economic ties and unlock the region’s vast tourism potential, ushering in a new chapter in its development story.

https://x.com/RailMinIndia/status/2049830705262383522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2049830705262383522%7Ctwgr%5Edddb2fc2487ddf7aac40dd2002fc4ffd0bfdbe83%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pib.gov.in%2FPressReleasePage.aspx%3FPRID%3D2257073reg%3D1lang%3D1


<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-media-max-width=”560″><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Extended. Expanded. Elevated <br>The Srinagar – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharatExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw“>#VandeBharatExpress</a> is now extended to Jammu Tawi, with capacity augmented from 8 to 20 coaches. <a href=”https://t.co/tW4bbbNynS“>pic.twitter.com/tW4bbbNynS</a></p>&mdash; Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) <a href=”https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia/status/2049830705262383522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw“>April 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>