The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express (JSVBE) has become an instant hit among local and national travellers, just within 24 hours of commencing operations. The train service, flagged off by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30, has received a massive response in just three days.
With around 20 coaches, it is expected to significantly boost passenger traffic while supporting economic and tourism growth in the region by cutting travel time by 5 to 6 hours. Earlier limited to Katra, the train now runs directly up to Jammu Tawi.
Senior Manager of Jammu Rail Division, UchitSinghal, said the flower-decorated train chugged off for Srinagar from Platform No. 7 at Jammu Railway Station.
“Today marks the dawn of a new era with the commencement of the Vande Bharat train service from Jammu to Srinagar — a monumental triumph for modern rail travel and the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” he said on Saturday.
Two pairs of trains will operate daily on the route. The first train departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 am and reaches Srinagar at 11:10 am, with halts at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal. On the return journey, it leaves Srinagar at 2 pm and arrives at Jammu Tawi at 6:50 pm.
The inaugural train carried around 940 passengers, while the second had 995 on board. On the return leg from Srinagar to Jammu, the trains carried over 1,990 passengers, who expressed delight with the journey.
Kathua resident ShishirRajan said the service has greatly improved accessibility, especially as highways often remain closed.
“Now travel is faster, smoother, and more comfortable,” he added.
Arvind Singh, a tourist from Amritsar, credited the government for strengthening rail connectivity in Kashmir, calling it a reflection of “changing India” and instilling a sense of safety.
The launch comes after decades of engineering challenges in constructing the Udhampur-Baramulla rail link. The train is equipped with the latest and most advanced technology available in the country.
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