A new chapter in rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar was scripted on Saturday as over 3,925 passengers travelled on the first commercial run of the Vande Bharat Express.
The semi-high-speed train, inaugurated on April 30 by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, marks a significant step towards seamless and direct travel in the region. Earlier, passengers heading to Srinagar had to board the service from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, underlining the importance of the new direct connectivity.
On its first day, Train No. 26401 carried around 940 passengers from Jammu to Srinagar, while Train No. 26403 transported approximately 995 passengers on the same route. On the return journey, Train Nos. 26404 and 26402 together carried over 1,990 passengers from Srinagar to Jammu, railway officials said.
Officials described the service as a milestone—not only for its speed and modern amenities but also for providing an all-weather rail link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. The train completed the journey between Jammu and Srinagar in just 4 hours and 45 minutes, significantly reducing travel time.
With nearly 70 percent seat occupancy on its inaugural commercial run, the service has already generated strong public response. The train is equipped with advanced ‘winterisation’ technology, enabling operations in sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. It includes special heating cables to prevent pipelines from freezing and 1800W silicon heating pads installed in water tanks.
Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, the route also traverses the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge — the world’s highest railway bridge — expected to further boost tourism and economic activity in the Kashmir Valley.