Expanded Reach Unveiled
The Union Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, is set to inaugurate the extended Vande Bharat Express service, pushing its operational boundary from Srinagar
all the way to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. This significant development brings India's premier modern train directly to Jammu, the largest city and a crucial railway hub within Jammu & Kashmir. Previously, the service concluded its journey at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The extended route signifies a major step forward in enhancing rail connectivity and accessibility for commuters and tourists alike, making journeys to and from the region more seamless and efficient. This enhancement is poised to boost regional tourism and economic activity by providing a top-tier travel option.
Service Schedule Details
Following its inaugural run flagged off on Thursday, the extended Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will commence its regular service starting May 2, 2026. Two distinct service pairs will operate along this newly expanded corridor, covering an approximate distance of 266 kilometers. The first service, designated as Train No. 26401, departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM, making stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal before reaching Srinagar at 11:10 AM, completing the journey in four hours and fifty minutes. Its return leg, Train No. 26402, departs Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrives back at Jammu Tawi by 6:50 PM. This particular service runs six days a week, with Tuesdays being the exception. The second service pair (Train No. 26404) departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM, with scheduled halts at Banihal and Katra, before arriving at Jammu Tawi at 12:40 PM. The corresponding return journey, Train No. 26403, leaves Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM and is scheduled to reach Srinagar by 6:00 PM. This second pair operates six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. Collectively, these two service pairs ensure passengers have both morning and afternoon travel options from either end of the route on most days, offering considerable flexibility for journey planning.
Capacity Boost and Engineering Marvels
The Vande Bharat Express operating on this route has seen an overwhelming response since its initial introduction with 8 coaches when Prime Minister Narendra Modi first flagged off the Katra–Srinagar service on June 6, 2025. The train has consistently operated at full capacity, a testament to its popularity and the demand for modern rail travel in the region. In direct response to this high demand, the train's rake has been augmented to 20 coaches. This substantial increase more than doubles the seating capacity, significantly alleviating pressure on reservations and reducing waitlists, especially during peak pilgrimage and tourist seasons. Coinciding with the extension to Jammu Tawi, the 20-coach Vande Bharat now arrives in the region's largest city with a capacity commensurate with the demand it consistently inspires. Following the flag-off ceremony, the Union Minister is also scheduled to inspect two of the most impressive engineering feats on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): the Anji Bridge and the Chenab Bridge, highlighting the region's infrastructural advancements.
