Train rake augmented from 8 to 20 coaches
Two pairs of daily services to operate from May 2
Srinagar: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to inaugurate the extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station on Thursday, April 30, 2026. This milestone event marks a significant enhancement in the region’s connectivity, as the train will now run all the way to Jammu Tawi, bringing India’s most modern train directly to Jammu’s largest city and railway hub.
The extension comes in response to the overwhelming demand and popularity of the service since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the original Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat on 6th June 2025. Initially operating with 8 coaches, the train has consistently run at full capacity, with reservations often sold out days in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage and tourist seasons. To meet this rising demand, the train’s rake has been augmented to 20 coaches, more than doubling its seating capacity. This move aims to ease congestion, reduce waitlists, and provide a comfortable, seamless travel experience for pilgrims, tourists, traders, and local commuters.
A New Era of Connectivity
Following the flag-off, the Railway Minister will inspect two of the most remarkable engineering marvels on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Anji Bridge and the Chenab Bridge. The Chenab Bridge, at 359 meters high, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, while the Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, rising 331 meters above the Anji River valley. These structures symbolize the technological prowess and engineering ingenuity involved in transforming Jammu & Kashmir’s rail connectivity.
The extended Vande Bharat service will commence regular operations from 2nd May 2026, offering two pairs of services daily across the 266 km route. The first service (Train No. 26401) departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM, halts at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal, reaching Srinagar at 11:10 AM. Its return (Train No. 26402) departs Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrives in Jammu Tawi at 6:50 PM. The second service (Train No. 26404) leaves Srinagar at 8:00 AM, halts at Banihal and Katra, arriving in Jammu Tawi by 12:40 PM. Its return (Train No. 26403) departs Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM, reaching Srinagar by 6:00 PM. These services operate six days a week, providing morning and afternoon options for travelers.
Transforming Pilgrimage and Tourism
The extension of the Vande Bharat from Katra to Jammu Tawi eliminates the long-standing inconvenience of changing trains or arranging separate road transport for pilgrims and travelers. Until now, devotees heading to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi had to disembark at Katra and board another train or vehicle to reach Jammu Tawi. Now, they can board the train at Jammu Tawi, enjoy a direct, unbroken journey to Katra, and continue to Srinagar, simplifying the entire pilgrimage circuit.
This seamless travel experience is especially beneficial for pilgrims combining the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage with the Amarnath Yatra, accessible from Srinagar. The entire route can now be covered in a single, uninterrupted journey, reducing travel time, costs, and logistical hassles, and encouraging more domestic and international tourists to explore Jammu & Kashmir’s scenic beauty and spiritual sites.
Benefits for Local Residents and Traders
For residents of Jammu, Katra, Reasi, and the Kashmir Valley, the extended service addresses a long-standing challenge. A student, government official, or patient traveling between Srinagar and Jammu no longer needs to make multiple transfers or rely solely on road transport, which becomes especially unreliable during heavy snowfall or adverse weather conditions. The railway’s all-weather, high-speed service offers a reliable connection during harsh winters when road access is often blocked.
Moreover, the extended Vande Bharat will significantly boost the region’s economy by reducing transportation costs and time for artisans, traders, and businessmen. Kashmir’s renowned crafts—Pashmina shawls, walnut wood carvings, hand-knotted carpets, and saffron—will benefit from faster, more dependable logistics, helping artisans and exporters reach markets across India efficiently.
Engineering Marvels and Infrastructure Milestones
During his visit, the Railway Minister will inspect the Anji and Chenab bridges—testaments to India’s engineering capabilities. The Chenab Bridge, with its 359-meter height, is the tallest railway arch bridge globally, while the Anji Khad Bridge, a cable-stayed structure, rises 331 meters above the valley. These bridges are critical components of the USBRL project, a ₹43,780 crore infrastructure marvel that spans 119 km through the challenging Himalayan terrain, featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
A Decade of Railway Transformation in J&K
The extension of the Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat marks a significant milestone in nearly a decade of railway development in Jammu & Kashmir. Since the Udhampur-Katra section was commissioned in 2014, the region has seen rapid progress, including the introduction of electric trains in 2024 and the creation of the Jammu Railway Division in 2025. Stations at Jammu Tawi, Katra, Udhampur, and Budgam are undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to improve passenger amenities.
The USBRL project, built at a cost of nearly ₹44,000 crore, is the backbone of this transformation, connecting remote Himalayan regions with the rest of India and facilitating economic growth and tourism.