Jammu and Kashmir is set to have direct rail connectivity linking the two sides of the Pir Panjal ranges as authorities announced the extension of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi from April 30.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) of Jammu Railway Division, UchitSinghal, informed reporters that Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the first train from Tawi station to Srinagar.
The train will run directly from Srinagar to Jammu with 20 coaches instead of the existing 8.
The first scheduled train is expected to have a single halt at Katra for boarding and alighting purposes.
Singhal added, “While the inauguration date is yet to be finalised, the regular operations of this train will be announced separately in the coming days.”
Union Minister of State in the PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, confirmed the announcement in a post on X, stating that "the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to Jammu by Northern Railway will commence operations on April 30.”
Dr Singh is likely to take part in the flagging-off of this much-demanded train service by both locals and tourists alike.
“Good news for Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express travellers! Another gift from the #narendramodi government for the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” read the opening line of Dr Jitendra Singh’s post.
“The Vande Bharat Express, currently running between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will be extended up to Jammu Tawi from April 30.
Additionally, the train will now operate with 20 coaches instead of 8, significantly enhancing capacity, connectivity, and comfort.
This move is set to further promote tourism and accelerate regional development,” Dr Jitendra posted.
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