Direct Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Service Begins, Cuts Travel Time to Under 5 Hours

In a landmark boost to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the first direct Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar commenced commercial operations on Saturday, drawing enthusiastic response from passengers and officials alike.

The semi-high-speed train, which previously operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra , has now been extended up to Jammu Tawi, enabling seamless travel across the region without the need for road transfers.

Decorated with flowers, the inaugural service departed from platform number 7 at Jammu railway station amid celebratory scenes, marking what officials described as a major milestone in modern rail travel and regional integration. Railway authorities said the train will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.

Covering a distance of approximately 272 km in just 4 hours and 50 minutes , the service significantly reduces travel time that earlier ranged between 12 and 24 hours by road, depending on weather and traffic conditions. Two pairs of trains will run daily, offering convenient options for commuters, tourists, and pilgrims.

According to the schedule, the train departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 am and reaches Srinagar by 11:10 am, halting at Katra, Reasi and Banihal. On the return journey, it leaves Srinagar at 2 pm and arrives in Jammu by 6:50 pm.

The inaugural run witnessed strong passenger turnout, with nearly 2,000 travellers availing the service across both directions. Many described the journey as comfortable, time-saving and affordable, with fares starting at around ₹600.

Passengers hailed the train as a “game-changer,” highlighting the convenience of same-day return travel and the elimination of uncertainties associated with highway travel, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Officials said the launch follows years of effort in completing the ambitious Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link, which faced significant engineering challenges due to the region’s rugged terrain.

The introduction of the direct service is expected to boost tourism, strengthen economic ties, and improve accessibility across Jammu and Kashmir, ushering in a new era of fast and reliable rail transport in the Union Territory.