Vande Bharat link to boost mobility, trade in J&K: CM Omar

• Seeks inland dry port for exports
• Says cars, cement, fruits now moving by rail
• Capacity up to 1,400 per trip, 2,800 daily
Irfan Yattoo
Jammu: Terming the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat service a major step forward, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the new rail link will significantly boost mobility, trade and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir, while marking the first seamless direct train connection between the two regions.
Addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony, where Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the extended service from Jammu to Srinagar, Omar said the day had been “long awaited” by the people of the Union Territory.
“Today, we have connected Jammu with Kashmir through railways. This is not just connectivity, but the beginning of a new phase of development,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the extension of the Vande Bharat service has, for the first time, enabled seamless direct rail travel between Jammu and Srinagar, reducing dependence on road transport and improving accessibility across regions.
Highlighting the surge in demand, Omar said the train has been upgraded from 8 to 20 coaches, increasing capacity from around 500 passengers to nearly 1,400 per trip.
“With two trains operating, close to 2,800 passengers can now travel daily between the two capital cities. This reflects how popular and important this service has become,” he said.
He noted that the rail link is not only easing passenger movement but is also emerging as a key driver of economic activity.
“It is not just about people travelling. Goods are now being transported efficiently, cement, food supplies and even vehicles. I saw cars being transported directly to Srinagar, which is a major logistical shift,” he said.
Omar added that the outbound movement of goods from Jammu and Kashmir has also improved significantly.
“Fruits, milk and dairy products are now reaching markets outside J&K through the railway network, which will strengthen local industries and benefit farmers and producers,” he said.
Referring to key infrastructure milestones, the Chief Minister recalled the inauguration of engineering landmarks such as the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad bridge, saying these projects have now translated into a reliable and widely used transport system.
He also urged the Centre to establish an inland dry port in Jammu and Kashmir to streamline exports. “There is a need for a dry port so that customs clearance can happen within J&K instead of other cities. This will benefit trade and business and support economic growth,” he said, adding that the demand has been pending for years.
Appealing to Union ministers, including Jitendra Singh, and Members of Parliament present at the event to take up the matter, CM Omar said the facility would significantly ease export procedures and enhance the region’s competitiveness.
He said the direct train link has fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the people. “For years, we waited for a train journey between Jammu and Srinagar. Today, that dream has been realised. Jammu and Kashmir is now more connected than ever before,” CM Omar added.