Approval and Official Route
The Ministry of Railways has officially approved the introduction of a third Vande Bharat train for the Jammu and Kashmir region. According to a letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, the new service
will operate between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. A key feature of this new service is the inclusion of Udhampur as a stop, a decision made in response to popular demand from the local population. The train will be formally designated as Train Nos. 26407/26408 Jammu Tawi-Srinagar-Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat Express.
Meeting High Passenger Demand
Currently, two Vande Bharat trains already operate between Jammu and Srinagar, providing a total of four services. These services were initially launched on June 6, 2025, running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, and were later extended to Jammu Tawi on April 30, 2026. Indian Railways has reported that these trains consistently run with full occupancy, indicating a strong need for increased capacity. To address this, the number of coaches on the existing trains was already increased from 16 to 20. The introduction of a third train is a direct response to this sustained high demand from both residents and tourists.
Stops and Journey Time
The existing Vande Bharat service between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar covers the 269-kilometre distance in approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. The current stoppages on this scenic route include Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan (Udhampur), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal. The addition of the third service, which explicitly includes Udhampur, will further solidify this crucial transport link. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, of which this route is a part, has been an engineering marvel, featuring the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. These advancements have enabled trains to reach speeds of nearly 100 kmph on sections of the route, significantly reducing travel time compared to road transport.
Passenger Experience and Fares
While the exact schedule and fare structure for the new 26407/26408 service have not been released, we can look to the existing services for an indication. Fares for the current Vande Bharat trains between Srinagar and Banihal (a portion of the full route) range from approximately ₹550 to ₹650 for an AC Chair Car (CC) and ₹975 to ₹1065 for an Executive Chair Car (EC), depending on the specific train and timing. Passengers can expect a world-class travel experience, as the Vande Bharat trains on this route are specially designed for the Himalayan climate with features like advanced heating systems to operate in sub-zero temperatures. The trains offer amenities such as WiFi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and comfortable seating, providing a safe and swift alternative to the often-unpredictable Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Transforming Regional Connectivity
The introduction of this third Vande Bharat service is more than just an additional train; it represents a significant step in the economic and social integration of the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. The all-weather rail connectivity provided by the USBRL project is set to revolutionize key sectors like tourism, horticulture, and handicrafts by ensuring faster and more reliable transport of goods and people. For decades, the region has relied on the precarious national highway, which is often subject to closures due to landslides and weather. This reliable rail link promises to boost the local economy, reduce travel costs, and provide safer, more comfortable journeys for everyone.
