As a significant step forward in regional connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar. Starting May 2, the public will be able to access the service.
The fact that Omar Abdullah and Jitendra Singh were present at the inaugural event highlights the project’s importance for the Union Territory.
In addition to offering a dependable, all-weather substitute for the often-disrupted Jammu-Srinagar roadway, the new train link is anticipated to drastically shorten travel duration between the two capitals. There will likely be an uptick in tourist and local spending as a result.
The service expands upon the earlier introduction of the rail route between Srinagar and Katra in June 2025, which was inaugurated by Narendra Modi. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is now fully connected to the rail network thanks to the extension.
A ₹43,780 crore undertaking, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) includes the project, which is regarded as one of the world’s most difficult railway engineering endeavours. The 267-kilometer road winds its way through the rough Pir Panjal Mountains, passing under 119 kilometres of tunnels and crossing 943 bridges.
The indigenous Vande Bharat train is designed to provide a first-rate travel experience with its modern seating, GPS-based passenger information, and the ‘Kavach’ safety system.
Six days a week, the service will run, with Tuesdays off. The commencement of simultaneous operations from Srinagar to Jammu has also been confirmed by officials.
The electrification of routes and the establishment of a specialised Jammu Railway Division are only two examples of the substantial infrastructure expansions carried out by Indian Railways in the last decade. As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, stations including Jammu Tawi, Katra, Udhampur, and Budgam are undergoing renovations.
The new rail connection is anticipated to improve economic resilience in the Kashmir Valley, reinforce supply chains, and make passenger and freight transit easier, particularly in the event of traffic interruptions.
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