Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the first direct Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley on Thursday. This initiative promises to enhance connectivity to remote areas such as Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri.
The launch of this direct train service follows the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Vaishnaw announced that detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared to connect the Poonch-Rajouri region and to extend the railway line to Uri, a strategic border town.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, attended the flag-off ceremony, which marks a significant achievement in enhancing the railway infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir.
This new train service will not only reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar but will also boost tourism and provide an all-weather transport link. The direct train routes are expected to increase convenience for commuters and facilitate better trade and goods transportation.
On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train between Katra and Srinagar, extending its service up to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The Rs 43,780-crore project began in the late 1990s, with the first train operating in the Kashmir Valley since October 2008.
During media interactions post-flagging, Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing rail connectivity in the region. “We will now focus on connecting Poonch and Rajouri with rail connectivity. We will also take up a project to connect Uri with the train,” he asserted.
Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express as a vital achievement for Jammu and Kashmir. He noted the overwhelming demand for seats, leading to an increase in the train’s capacity from eight to 20 coaches. The service has gained immense popularity, operating at full capacity and offering scenic travel experiences.
“The train operates efficiently even in adverse weather conditions,” he mentioned, showcasing its ability to operate in extreme temperatures down to minus 10 degrees Celsius. “Despite one foot of snow last winter, the train service continued uninterrupted, making it a reliable means of transport for both passengers and goods,” he added.
The minister further noted the economic advantages the train service brings, saying, “We have transported around 2 crore kg of apples and other commodities across the country via this train. This service has also helped reduce prices for goods like cement by Rs 50 per bag.”
Chief Minister Abdullah expressed gratitude to the Union government, particularly Vaishnaw, for enhancing rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir. He addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significant trade benefits of this service, including the transport of goods such as cement and vehicles, which have boosted local business.
“The specialty of this train is its ability to not only facilitate passenger travel but also support goods transport. I was thrilled to see Maruti cars delivered to Srinagar and local fruit exports moving by train,” Abdullah said.
He also appealed for the establishment of an inland port in Jammu and Kashmir to simplify customs processes and support local exporters. “It is crucial to have a dry port so we can manage customs clearance locally, facilitating smoother exports from our region,” he urged.
The CM conveyed that the people had been awaiting the Jammu-Srinagar rail service for years, simplifying the travel between the twin capitals. Abdullah noted, “We anticipated a train for years; now we have direct connectivity without needing to travel via Katra.”
He expressed his surprise at the immense popularity of the service, saying that previously he had to seek favors for train reservations due to high demand. The capacity increase has allowed 1,400 people to travel simultaneously, providing crucial connectivity for the local population.
Jitendra Singh emphasized the substantial economic impact of this new train service, stating it will foster growth in the union territory and ease travel for tourists and pilgrims alike. “We thank the Prime Minister for realizing this long-awaited railway service connecting Jammu and Katra,” he remarked.
