Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 24: In a major boost to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, passengers will soon be able to travel between Jammu and Srinagar in just about five hours as the Vande Bharat Express is set to commence operations from Jammu on March 1.
The inaugural run on the same day will mark the formal extension of the train service beyond its existing terminal at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Jammu. So far, the semi-high-speed train has been operating between Katra and Srinagar, requiring passengers from Jammu to travel by road to Katra to board the train.
With the new arrangement, commuters will be able to board the Vande Bharat directly from Jammu, eliminating the need for a change of transport at Katra and ensuring a seamless rail journey to the Kashmir Valley.
Railway officials said the enhanced service will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to approximately five hours, making it The inaugural run will mark the formal extension of the train service beyond its existing terminal at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Jammu.
So far, the semi-high-speed train has been operating between Katra and Srinagar, requiring passengers from Jammu to travel by road to Katra to board the train.
The enhanced service will make it one of the fastest modes of travel between the two cities.
The move is expected to provide a more dependable alternative to road travel, particularly during peak tourist seasons and adverse weather conditions.
In response to rising passenger demand on the route, the train’s composition has also been expanded. The service will now operate with 20 coaches, a substantial increase from the earlier 8-coach configuration, enabling it to accommodate a larger number of passengers.
Officials said the extension forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure and improve all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The Vande Bharat Express has already witnessed encouraging passenger response on the Katra–Srinagar stretch, and the expansion to Jammu is expected to further enhance regional mobility, boost tourism, and facilitate smoother travel for residents and visitors alike. | 