A Boost in Capacity and Connectivity
The introduction of a third Vande Bharat train is a direct response to the overwhelming success of the first two services, which have been running with full occupancy. The Railway Ministry's approval confirms a new service that will operate between Jammu
Tawi and Srinagar, with a crucial stop at Udhampur (Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan station). This decision caters to a long-standing demand from the local population of Udhampur, enhancing convenience for residents, pilgrims, and tourists alike. The existing two Vande Bharat trains, which began full services between Jammu and Srinagar in April 2026, have already proven to be a game-changer, replacing the arduous 8-to-11-hour road journey with a comfortable train ride of under five hours.
The Route and Expected Timings
The new train, designated with numbers 26407/26408, will traverse the scenic Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This engineering marvel features the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge. While the exact schedule for the third service is yet to be announced, it will supplement the existing services. Currently, one train departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM to reach Srinagar by 11:10 AM, with a return journey in the afternoon. The addition of the third train will offer more travel options and flexibility. The key en-route stoppages for the Vande Bharat services include Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal, connecting major hubs in the region.
Engineered for the Himalayas
The Vande Bharat trains operating in Kashmir are not standard models; they are specially designed to handle the region's harsh winter conditions. To combat sub-zero temperatures, these trains are equipped with advanced heating systems for water tanks, pipes, and bio-toilets to prevent freezing. The driver's lookout glass has embedded heating elements to defrost the windshield, ensuring clear visibility during snowfall and extreme cold. These climate-specific modifications ensure the train can function as a reliable, all-weather transport solution, a crucial advantage over the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which is often prone to closures due to landslides and snow.
Onboard Experience for Travellers
Travellers can expect the signature comfort and modern amenities of the Vande Bharat Express. The trains feature fully air-conditioned coaches with options for both Chair Car and Executive Chair Car classes. Onboard facilities include automatic plug doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and mobile charging sockets at every seat. The journey itself is a major attraction, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pir Panjal mountain range as the train navigates through numerous tunnels and bridges. Passengers have praised the smooth, jerk-free ride, which makes the sub-five-hour journey comfortable and scenic.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The enhanced rail connectivity is already having a profound impact on the region. Since their launch, the Vande Bharat services have been credited with a surge in tourist arrivals, with many visitors now preferring the predictable and comfortable train journey. The service has made popular destinations like Srinagar and the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra more accessible, boosting pilgrimage and leisure tourism. Local hoteliers and businesses have reported an uptick in bookings, and the reliable transport link is expected to further integrate the local economy by facilitating smoother movement of people and goods. With travel time slashed and reliability increased, the train is becoming a lifeline that connects communities and fuels economic growth.
