In a major development for rail connectivity in the region, much awaited and anticipated, Vande Bharat Express is set to operate between Jammu and Srinagar soon. At present, the semi-high-speed train runs only between Katra and Srinagar. The upcoming extension to Jammu is expected to significantly enhance convenience for passengers traveling to the Kashmir Valley.
According to railway officials, construction and redevelopment work at Jammu railway station is nearly complete. The ongoing upgrade had delayed the launch of the Jammu–Srinagar service. Platforms were being extended, facilities were being improved, and safety requirements had to be fully met before operations could begin.
Now that the work is in its final stage, officials indicate that the train could start running from Jammu as early as next week or shortly thereafter. A formal announcement is expected soon.The Vande Bharat Express is India’s fastest and most modern semi-high-speed train. It offers comfortable seating, air-conditioned coaches, onboard Wi-Fi, improved catering services and advanced safety features.
Currently, the journey between Katra and Srinagar takes a little over three hours by train. By road, the same trip earlier required six to seven hours, sometimes even more depending on traffic and weather conditions. With the extension to Jammu, travel time is expected to remain significantly shorter than road journeys, offering major convenience to passengers.
The delay in launching the service from Jammu was mainly due to large-scale redevelopment at the railway station. Authorities wanted to ensure that all infrastructure, safety norms and passenger amenities were fully in place before introducing the high-speed service.Railway officials say the station upgrade was necessary to handle increased passenger traffic and modern train operations.
Pertinently, Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat service has seen strong demand since its launch. Even during winter months and snowfall, the train has remained operational and popular among travelers.Given the rising number of passengers, the railways are planning to increase the number of coaches. At present, the train runs with eight coaches, but there are plans to expand it to up to 20 coaches in the near future. This will significantly increase seating capacity and allow more passengers to travel comfortably.
The decision to run the Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar is also aimed at boosting tourism in the Kashmir Valley. Easier and faster connectivity is expected to benefit both tourists and local residents, strengthening economic activity in the region.With infrastructure nearly ready, travelers are now eagerly awaiting the official launch date of the extended service.
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