Over 3,900 passengers travelled in both directions
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: The Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express began commercial operations on Saturday with a strong response on its inaugural day. Over 3,900 passengers travelled in both directions, with occupancy around 70 percent, signalling robust demand for the new high-speed rail link in the region, officials said.
Railway officials said the twin services registered around 70 percent occupancy, records encouraging public response. Nearly 940 passengers travelled on the first train from Jammu to Srinagar, while the second service carried 995 passengers on the same route.
On the return leg, more than 1,990 passengers boarded the trains from Srinagar to Jammu, indicating steady demand in both directions.
The semi-high-speed train, flagged off by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30, will operate six days a week, except Tuesdays, offering a reliable and time-efficient travel option between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said the introduction of the service has reduced travel time between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar to under five hours. The train covers approximately 272 kilometres in about 4 hours and 45 minutes, a significant improvement over road travel, which can take between 12 and 24 hours depending on weather conditions and traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway.
According to the schedule, the train departs from Jammu at 6:20 am and reaches Srinagar at 11:10 am, with stoppages at key stations including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal. The return service leaves Srinagar at 2:00 pm and arrives in Jammu at 6:50 pm, enabling passengers to undertake same-day return journeys.
Saturday’s launch was marked by a celebratory atmosphere at Jammu railway station, where the train was decorated with flowers before departure under tight security arrangements. Railway officials termed the start of direct services a “historic step” in improving connectivity and strengthening integration between the Valley and the rest of the country.
The Vande Bharat train comprises 20 coaches and has a seating capacity of around 1,400 passengers. It is equipped with modern onboard facilities and advanced safety features. Special emphasis has been placed on winterisation, with insulated coaches and anti-freezing systems installed to ensure smooth operations during sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall—conditions that have historically disrupted transport links to Kashmir.
Passengers travelling on the inaugural day expressed satisfaction with the service, describing it as fast, comfortable and affordable. Many said the train would reduce dependence on road travel, which is often affected by landslides, snowfall, and traffic congestion. Some passengers highlighted the convenience of same-day travel between Jammu and Srinagar, which was previously difficult due to long and uncertain journey times.
Tourists also welcomed the development, saying the improved rail connectivity is expected to boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley. The relatively affordable fare, estimated at around ₹600, was cited as an added advantage, making the service accessible to a wider section of travellers.
The direct service marks an extension of the earlier Vande Bharat route, which operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. With its expansion to Jammu Tawi, one of the region’s railway hubs, the train now provides seamless connectivity across key destinations.
The development is part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, a long-pending rail project that has overcome significant engineering and logistical challenges over the years. The route includes the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, which is expected to emerge as a major attraction while also facilitating faster movement of passengers and goods.
Officials said the improved rail network has already started benefiting freight transportation, with agricultural produce such as apples and cherries being transported from Kashmir to markets across the country more efficiently. Plans are also underway to enhance capacity on the route, including track doubling on key sections, to allow more trains to operate in the future.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the launch, stating that the train service would strengthen connectivity, improve logistics and contribute to economic growth in the region.
With strong initial occupancy and positive passenger feedback, officials expressed confidence that the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will witness increased ridership in the coming days. The service is being seen as a major step towards establishing reliable, all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley and enhancing mobility for residents, tourists, and businesses alike.
