DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Aug 20
Indian Railways is set to introduce a third Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Udhampur, providing passengers with an additional fast travel option and increasing rail capacity between the two major cities of Jammu and Kashmir.
The proposed service will operate as Train Nos. 26407/26408 on the Jammu Tawi-Srinagar-Jammu Tawi route. The approval for the new Vande Bharat Express was conveyed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a letter shared by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on X.
The introduction of the third service comes in response to the strong demand for Vande Bharat trains connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley. At present, two Vande Bharat trains operate four services between Jammu and Srinagar. Both services were initially introduced on June 6, 2025, when the trains operated between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar.
The services were subsequently extended to Jammu Tawi railway station from April 30, 2026, enabling passengers to travel directly between Jammu and Srinagar by Vande Bharat Express. The existing services operate as Train Nos. 26401/26402 and 26404/26403.
According to the Railways, the existing Vande Bharat services have been witnessing full occupancy since their launch, reflecting the strong demand for faster and more comfortable rail connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
In view of the sustained passenger demand, the Railways had already increased the number of coaches in each of the two existing trains from 16 to 20. The approval of another Vande Bharat service is expected to further expand seating capacity and provide passengers with greater flexibility while planning journeys between Jammu and Srinagar.
The new train will also pass through important stations along the Jammu-Srinagar railway corridor. The existing Vande Bharat service between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar has four en-route stoppages, including Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal.
The Jammu Tawi-Srinagar route covers a distance of around 269 kilometres, with the existing Vande Bharat service completing the journey in approximately four hours and 45 minutes. The service has become an important option for passengers travelling between the Jammu region and Kashmir, particularly for those seeking quicker connectivity.
The expansion of Vande Bharat services is also significant in the context of the development of rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The railway link to the Kashmir Valley has improved transportation options for residents, tourists and business travellers while strengthening the integration of the region with the wider railway network.
The third service is expected to provide additional convenience during periods of high passenger demand. With Jammu and Srinagar serving as important administrative, commercial and tourism centres, enhanced rail connectivity can support the movement of people between the two regions.
The service through Udhampur will also provide passengers from intermediate locations with improved access to high-speed rail connectivity. The inclusion of key stations along the route further strengthens the role of the railway corridor in facilitating regional travel.
The continued expansion of Vande Bharat operations reflects Indian Railways’ efforts to respond to growing passenger demand and modernise inter-city rail services. The trains are designed to offer faster journeys and improved passenger amenities compared with conventional services.
With two existing services already recording strong occupancy and the number of coaches having been increased, the addition of the third Vande Bharat is expected to provide further relief to passengers and strengthen the Jammu-Srinagar transport corridor.
The new service is therefore likely to become another important link between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, offering passengers greater choice while contributing to improved connectivity, tourism and economic activity across Jammu and Kashmir.
