Extended Vande Bharat Express Links Jammu Tawi and Srinagar in Under Five Hours, Marking Historic Rail Milestone in Kashmir
The extended Vande Bharat Express has begun operations between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar in under five hours, marking a historic rail milestone. Flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw with Omar Abdullah present, the service enhances year-round connectivity, boosts tourism, trade, and replaces weather-prone road travel with modern rail infrastructure.
The service, now expanded to a 20-coach configuration, represents a major advancement in rail connectivity for the region. The launch event highlighted the operational readiness of the route and the successful integration of the extended corridor under the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project. Officials also showcased inspections of the Chenab Bridge, recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge, underscoring the engineering achievement that underpins the route’s functionality.
For the first time, Kashmir has been provided with year-round rail connectivity, significantly reducing dependency on weather-sensitive road transport routes. The new service is expected to transform regional mobility by improving accessibility for passengers while simultaneously strengthening economic activity through enhanced tourism and trade opportunities.
The introduction of this extended service replaces long-standing logistical challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions that frequently disrupted road connectivity. Railway authorities have confirmed that regular operations will begin on May 2, with two daily pairs of trains scheduled to operate on the route. The service will also be supported by strengthened security arrangements to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel across the corridor.
The inauguration of the Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express marks a defining moment in northern India’s transport infrastructure, symbolizing both technological achievement and strategic connectivity for the region.
The development is widely regarded as a transformative step in integrating Kashmir with the national railway network, reinforcing both economic integration and regional accessibility through modern high-speed rail infrastructure.

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