Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 24 

The authorities will launch a direct semi high-speed train service between Jammu and Srinagar from April 30, railway officials said, marking a major step in improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Northern Railway said it will extend the existing Vande Bharat Express service, which currently runs between Srinagar and Katra, to Jammu Tawi station. 

The inaugural service will be flagged off by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw from Jammu on the scheduled date.

The extended train will operate with 20 coaches, up from the current eight, significantly increasing passenger capacity. 

The inaugural run will make a single stop at Katra for boarding and deboarding.

A tentative schedule released by railway authorities shows the special train, numbered 02601, departing Jammu Tawi at 10:30 am, halting briefly at Katra around midday, and arriving in Srinagar at approximately 3:05 pm.

Officials said timings for regular operations would be announced later and could be subject to change.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh said the extension would enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and support regional development.

The direct rail link is expected to cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to under five hours, offering a faster and more reliable alternative to road travel along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, which is frequently disrupted by landslides and adverse weather.

The service is part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure in the region following the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, inaugurated in 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The launch had previously been sched