Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, centre, along with Union MoS Jitendra Singh, left, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, second right, flag off the extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station on April 30, 2026 | Photo Credit: -

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off a 20-coach Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station, marking the launch of the first direct train service between Jammu and Kashmir.

The service, launched for the first time in history, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity in the region. The journey between Srinagar and Jammu will now take around four to five hours, circumventing the steep and weather-prone road route.

Until now, there were no direct trains operating between Jammu and Kashmir. Passengers travelling from Srinagar had to disembark at Katra and board another train to reach Jammu.

Cargo movement

Speaking to reporters, Vaishnaw said the railway link has already begun transforming cargo movement in the region.

“Transportation of automobiles, cement, steel and other goods has become easier,” he said.

He added that the rail network has also benefited the movement of horticultural produce from Kashmir Valley.

“About two crore kilograms of apples have been transported from the Valley to other parts of the country through railways,” he said.

Vaishnaw said efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the Jammu-Srinagar rail line, with projects such as automatic signalling systems and the construction of additional crossing stations in progress.

He said the government is also focusing on expanding the rail network further to Uri and connecting the districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

“The work will be carried out carefully to ensure that apple orchards and natural beauty are not disturbed,” he said, adding that detailed project reports for these extensions are currently under preparation.

Business boost expected

“The direct trains will only boost tourist footfall but also strengthen trade, hospitality, handicrafts and local transport sectors,” said Qazi Tauseef, spokesperson of Kashmir Economic Alliance, an amalgam of traders, transporters and other business bodies in Kashmir. 

He said seamless transportation would drive demand for hotels, restaurants, local products and services, benefiting thousands of livelihoods across the region.

“Additionally, enhanced rail connectivity integrates Kashmir more closely with the national economic framework, ensuring smoother movement of goods and people,” Tauseef added.

Published on April 30, 2026