Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will launch a direct 20-coach Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar on Thursday. Regular services for the public will start on May 2.
This service boost tourism and cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar. It will also provide year-round connectivity between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.
20 coach Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat service starts
The historic rail link between Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu and Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley. For nearly 70 years, the dream of connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country seemed out of reach. Work on the project began in the late 1990s.
The first train ran within the Kashmir Valley in October 2008. Establishing the rail link between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu division cost around Rs 28,000 crore.
Railway officials say the modern 20-coach Vande Bharat train begin its first journey from Jammu Tawi (JAT) to Srinagar, navigating difficult geographical terrain. “At the same time, a train leave from Srinagar to Jammu on the same day the service starts from Jammu to Srinagar,” officials noted.
Jammu to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra trial completed
Before launching this service, officials conducted a trial run of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train from Jammu to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
The inaugural Vande Bharat train, featuring advanced amenities. It is made up of 20 coaches, will cover a total distance of 267 kilometers on Thursday. The train service will run six days a week between Jammu and Srinagar, with no service on Tuesdays.
“Built using local technology, it provide passengers with a top-notch travel experience,” said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager.
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