Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 29 

The authorities will begin direct train connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar on April 30, marking a major milestone in linking the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir after decades of delays.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Vande Bharat Express service from Tawi railway station in Jammu, the winter capital, on Thursday, alongside Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh and senior regional leaders, officials said.

The train, previously operating between the summer capital, Srinagar and Katra, has been extended to Jammu, eliminating the need for passengers to change trains en route.

Following the inaugural run, regular services on the Jammu–Srinagar route will begin on May 2, railway authorities said.

Two pairs of trains will operate over a distance of about 267 km, offering morning and afternoon departures from both ends on most days of the week. The journey is expected to take under five hours, significantly reducing travel time compared with road transport.

The trains will run six days a week, with one pair suspended on Tuesdays and the other on Wednesdays.

The fully air-conditioned service has been upgraded to a 20-coach configuration and includes features such as automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems and the “Kavach” safety system, officials said.

The extension is expected to ease travel for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine as well as tourists and local commuters, while improving reliability in a region where road connectivity is often disrupted by landslides and adverse weather.

Officials said the direct service would also support economic activity by facilitating trade and tourism in Kashmir.

After the launch, Vaishnaw is scheduled to inspect key infrastructure on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, including the Anji and Chenab bridges.

The rail link project, inaugurated in June 2025, had led to growing demand for seamless train connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar without interchange.

Tickets for the service will be available at railway counters and through the IRCTC booking platform, authorities said.