Passengers have described the launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar as a "historic moment," highlighting the potential economic benefits the region will gain from improved connectivity.
The extended service of the Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express, now operating from Jammu Tawi Railway Station, was inaugurated by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and commenced regular operations on Saturday under stringent security protocols. This new service is expected to significantly enhance travel between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
Passengers welcomed the development as a considerable advancement in connectivity, reduced travel times, and regional economic growth. One passenger expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating, "It is a historic moment… With the efforts of PM Modi and after the inauguration by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this train has entered regular operation today, and we express gratitude to them… Many things will change through this train, and the people of J&K will also benefit economically with this."
Another passenger emphasised the service's convenience and time-saving advantage, saying, "This will save a lot of time… and it will also benefit a lot of people… This is a better way to travel from Jammu to Srinagar and is good for tourism."
The Vande Bharat train comprises 20 coaches capable of accommodating approximately 1,400 passengers. It features insulated coaches and water pipelines designed to prevent freezing in the region's harsh winter conditions.
On Thursday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officiated the extension of the Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Katra. He underscored the importance of strengthening maintenance practices to ensure safety and security, and highlighted plans to increase capacity on the Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor by doubling the track to allow for additional train operations.
Speaking during the inauguration, Vaishnaw stated, "Maintenance practices are our focus on safety and security. The next focus is to increase the capacity of the Jammu to Srinagar rail line. Doubling of the Qazigund to Arinagar line, and we can see that more trains can be run on this line. In Europe, the same technology is being used, and the same technology is being used in Jammu and Kashmir. This railway line has benefited cargo transportation. 2 crore kgs of apples have been transported from Kashmir to Delhi. 32 bogies are booked for cherry."
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Railway Minister Vaishnaw and stated that the train will bring many benefits to Kashmir across all sectors. Speaking at the inauguration, CM Abdullah said, "I congratulate the railway ministry. We have connected Jammu today with Srinagar. This train has given us a lot of benefits now; cement and even cars are being sent through the train to Srinagar, and fruit is also being sent to other states from Kashmir. We need a dry port in J&K, and we want custom clearance to be done in J&K for goods to be exported. We were waiting for this day."
The train previously operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra but will now run through to Jammu Tawi, bringing the country's most modern train directly to Jammu and Kashmir's largest city and railway hub.