Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat: The wait is over. You can now travel directly from Delhi to Jammu and then to Kashmir using the Vande Bharat Express. The Vande Bharat Express, which operates between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, is being extended to Jammu Tawi. Today, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav inaugurated the extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express at Jammu Tawi railway station. This train, which used to run from Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now also service Jammu Tawi.
The journey from Jammu to Kashmir, which used to take nine hours, will now be completed in just five hours. This train was officially launched today and will start regular operations on May 2nd. Two trains will be available on this route. This means that pilgrims heading to Vaishno Devi will no longer need to switch trains at Katra station. They can board the Vande Bharat Express directly from Jammu Tawi to Katra and then continue to Srinagar.
What will the train schedule look like?
- The first Vande Bharat train from Jammu Tawi is set to depart at 6:20 am, with a second train leaving at 1:02 pm.
- The train will depart from Srinagar to Jammu at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
- This service will run six days a week, taking one day off for maintenance.
- It will only stop at two stations: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal. The limited stops will greatly shorten travel time.
What will the fare be?
The cost for an AC chair car is Rs 715, while executive chair car fares can go up to Rs 1,515, which includes meals.
Pilgrims and tourists will have guaranteed seats
It’s important to mention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on June 6, 2025. At that time, the train had just eight coaches. Since its launch, the Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has been running at full capacity and has received an incredible response from passengers, leading to the decision to increase the number of coaches from eight to 20. This initiative by the Railways will more than double the seating capacity of the Srinagar Vande Bharat Express.
This will significantly reduce pressure on reservations and waiting lists, especially during the peak pilgrimage and tourism season.
The increased number of coaches will significantly reduce the likelihood of passengers missing out on seats. With the extension to Jammu Tawi, the 20-coach Vande Bharat Rail will reach its largest passenger city to its full capacity. This train is built on demand, meeting the ever-increasing demand.
