A Landmark Connection Realised
For years, reaching the Kashmir Valley was an undertaking subject to the whims of weather and treacherous road conditions on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The completion of the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project
has changed that forever. This ambitious undertaking, which includes engineering marvels like the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world's highest railway bridge—was fully commissioned in June 2025, creating a seamless, all-weather corridor. The first Vande Bharat services were launched concurrently, and due to high demand, a third service was recently approved in August 2026. This direct link not only integrates Kashmir physically with the rest of the country but also promises a new era of accessibility and convenience for travellers.
The Vande Bharat Experience
The Vande Bharat Express running in Kashmir is not just another train; it's an engineering feat specially designed for the region's challenging climate. To combat sub-zero temperatures that can dip to -20°C, the train is equipped with advanced heating systems that prevent water lines and bio-toilets from freezing. The driver's windshield has embedded heating elements to ensure clear visibility during snowfall. Inside, passengers can expect the premium experience synonymous with Vande Bharat: fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, comfortable rotating seats, and large windows to soak in the stunning views. The train also features the indigenous 'Kavach' anti-collision system, ensuring a high degree of safety through the mountainous terrain.
An Unforgettable Scenic Journey
The journey from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar is now a breathtaking experience that takes just under five hours. Previously a long and often uncertain road trip, the Vande Bharat service glides through some of India's most dramatic landscapes. The undisputed highlight is crossing the Chenab Rail Bridge, which stands 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The route also passes through 38 tunnels, including the country's longest transportation tunnel, T-49, and across 927 bridges, offering passengers a spectacular view of the Pir Panjal mountains and the Shivalik foothills. This train journey is quickly becoming a tourist attraction in its own right, a moving window into the valley's unparalleled natural splendour.
More Than Just a Train Ride
The impact of this new connectivity extends far beyond tourism. It provides a reliable and affordable transport option for residents, military personnel, and traders. The railway is becoming a crucial channel for goods, enabling Kashmir's famous apples, dry fruits, and handicrafts to reach national markets more efficiently while ensuring a steady supply of essentials into the valley. For tourists, the ease of travel is already showing results. Tourist arrivals hit a record high of over 2.3 crore in 2024, a trend supported by the improved rail links. Destinations like Gulmarg are seeing a surge in visitors, with many travellers now seamlessly combining a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi in Katra with a vacation in the Kashmir Valley.
Meeting Overwhelming Demand
The popularity of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat has been immediate and immense. The initial two trains, running four services daily, have been operating at full occupancy since their launch was extended to Jammu Tawi in April 2026. In response to the high demand, Indian Railways increased the number of coaches on these trains from 16 to 20. In a further move to boost capacity, a third Vande Bharat Express for the route was approved in August 2026. This new service will include a stop at Udhampur, fulfilling a long-standing local demand and further improving connectivity for residents and commuters in the Jammu region.
