Another Vande Bharat for the Valley
Indian Railways has officially approved a third Vande Bharat Express for the popular Jammu Tawi to Srinagar corridor. This decision, confirmed by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, comes in response to immense passenger demand. The existing two
Vande Bharat trains on this route have been running at full capacity since their services were extended to Jammu Tawi on April 30, 2026. The new service will operate as train numbers 26407/26408, providing another high-speed option for tourists and residents traveling between the region's two capital cities.
The Journey Transformed
For decades, traveling the 270-odd kilometers between Jammu and Srinagar meant a grueling 8-to-11-hour road trip on National Highway 44, often plagued by landslides and winter snow. The Vande Bharat Express has revolutionized this journey. The service slashes travel time to approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, offering a reliable, all-weather alternative. This is made possible by the landmark Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a massive infrastructure project that navigates the challenging Himalayan terrain with numerous tunnels and bridges.
A Feat of Engineering
The Kashmir route is not served by ordinary trains. These Vande Bharat models are specially designed to operate in extreme cold, with features to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. The coaches include advanced heating systems for plumbing and bio-toilets to prevent freezing, and the driver's cabin has heated windshields for clear visibility. The route itself is an engineering marvel, featuring the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world's highest railway bridge—and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge. Recently, a Vande Bharat train successfully operated at nearly 100 kmph on the Chenab Bridge, a testament to the track's quality and safety.
What to Expect Onboard
Passengers can choose between AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC), which offers wider, rotatable seats. The trains are equipped with modern amenities like large windows for panoramic views, Wi-Fi, onboard catering, and a clean, comfortable environment. Given the stunning landscapes, a window seat is highly recommended; a right-side seat on the way to Srinagar offers spectacular views of the Chenab Bridge. Fares for the existing services start at around ₹715 for Chair Car and ₹1,320 for Executive Class, making it a competitive option against flights and road travel.
Booking Your Trip
The introduction of a third train will help ease the high demand and pressure on reservations. Tickets can be booked via the IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. Bookings typically open 60 days in advance, and it is highly advisable to book early, especially during peak tourist seasons. The existing Vande Bharat trains (26401/26403) depart from Jammu Tawi in the morning and afternoon, and the new service will add another option to the schedule. All passengers are required to carry a valid government-issued photo ID for travel in Kashmir.
