Our Bureau
Jammu
In a landmark development for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the first direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi railway station to Srinagar on Thursday, April 30, 2026. This service officially links the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network for the first time.
Union MoS for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and BJP Rajya Sabha MPs Satpal Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana were present at the flag-off ceremony.
The new train service will operate through two pairs of trains, 26401/26402 and 26403/26404. Train No. 26401/26402 runs six days a week (except Tuesdays), departing Jammu Tawi at 06:20 am and reaching Srinagar at 11:10 am. On its return, it leaves Srinagar at 2:00 pm (14:00 hrs) and arrives at Jammu Tawi by 6:50 pm (18:50 hrs).
The second train, 26403/26404, also runs six days a week (except Wednesdays), leaving Srinagar at 8:00 am and arriving in Jammu at 12:40 pm. It departs Jammu at 1:20 pm (13:20 hrs) on its return journey. The train stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK), Reasi, and Banihal.
This direct rail service offers a reliable, affordable, and all-weather travel option, reducing dependence on the frequently disrupted Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The train features ‘Kavach’ safety system, GPS-based information system, and comfortable rotating seats. For the first time, Indian Railways has introduced ‘winterisation’ technology with self-regulating heating cables to prevent water pipelines from freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
Passengers can book tickets at railway counters or through the IRCTC website. This service will boost tourism, trade, and local economy significantly.
