New Delhi, May 12 (IANS). Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service is receiving tremendous response from passengers. According to the Railway Ministry, this modern train service started between Jammu and Kashmir has carried about 45 thousand passengers in the first 10 days of its operation. The ministry says that this train is now becoming the new lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic 272-km-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link on June 6, 2025, an official statement said. After this, on April 30, 2026, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav flagged off the 20-coach Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. After the commencement of regular operations, the four train services running on this route from May 2 to May 11 carried a total of 44,727 passengers.
According to the Railway Ministry, 28,762 passengers traveled in the first week of the train service itself. This figure shows how fast the demand for travel on the Jammu and Kashmir Rail Corridor is increasing.
On this route, train numbers 26401 and 26402 run between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar six days a week, while train numbers 26403 and 26404 operate on all days except Wednesdays. Thus, on most days, four train services are available for commuting passengers.
According to the Railways, the number of passengers reached near capacity on several days. On May 3, 4,977 passengers traveled, while on May 10, this figure increased to 5,657. The average occupancy of trains on Sunday was recorded at more than 98 percent, which shows the increasing popularity of this route.
Railway officials say that earlier trains with 8 coaches used to be completely filled, but now despite having 20 coaches, seats in the trains are filling up rapidly.
This train service is not just a means of travel but has also brought a big change in the economy and lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Now devotees, students, businessmen, government employees and tourists are able to travel comfortably without any hindrance.
Tourists are now reaching Kashmir by Vande Bharat train to see the world class railway bridges like Chenab and Anji. The train has been specially designed to run in temperatures up to minus 20 degrees Celsius, which will ensure smooth travel even during snowfall and landslides.
The Railway Ministry further said that Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat has emerged as the most economical travel option on this route. Chair car tickets include meals and cost much less than air travel or taxis.
While flight tickets burn a hole in the pockets of passengers, Vande Bharat train is providing comfortable and safe travel experience at low cost. The special thing is that even in case of highway closure, train service remains a reliable option for the passengers.
This rail journey from Jammu to Srinagar is being counted among the most beautiful rail routes in the world. High mountains, long tunnels, amazing engineering bridges like Chenab and Anji and lush green valleys of Kashmir are giving a memorable experience to the travelers.
The Railway Ministry says that to keep this special journey within the reach of common people, Indian Railways is offering the service at a fare lower than the operating cost.
According to Railways, with the start of summer season, the number of tourists in Kashmir is expected to increase rapidly. This train will prove to be a great convenience for the passengers going towards tourist places like Dal Lake, Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
Now travelers can reach Srinagar in less than 5 hours from Jammu Tawi. The number of passengers on this route is expected to increase rapidly in the coming months.
–IANS
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