Jammu, April 30
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar on Thursday is being viewed as a major step towards improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with passengers and stakeholders highlighting reduced travel time, all-weather access, and potential gains for tourism and trade.
The new service connects Jammu directly with Srinagar, extending the route beyond Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and bringing faster rail connectivity to the region’s largest city. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train, marking a key milestone in efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Passengers traveling on the route said the service would significantly reduce journey time to under four hours, making it one of the fastest and most convenient modes of travel between the two cities. Many described the development as a transformative step that would improve accessibility and reduce dependence on road travel.
Stakeholders in the tourism sector noted that the train is expected to benefit pilgrims, particularly those visiting the Amarnath Yatra, who previously relied on road transport, often affected by traffic congestion, landslides, and adverse weather. The new rail link is expected to offer a safer and more reliable alternative.
Traders also expressed optimism, saying the improved connectivity would facilitate quicker and more cost-effective transportation of goods to and from the Kashmir Valley, helping local businesses. Regular commuters, including government employees and students, said the service would make daily and short-term travel more manageable.
The initiative builds on earlier rail connectivity in the region and is part of a long-term project to link Kashmir with the rest of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the Katra–Srinagar rail link, and the extension to Jammu further strengthens the network.
With regular operations set to begin shortly, the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is expected to enhance mobility, support economic activity, and improve overall connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
