By Sohail Khan
JAMMU, Apr 22: The long-awaited direct rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar is set to become a reality on April 30, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw scheduled to flag off the Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Railway Station. He will be joined by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh.
Official sources said all arrangements for the launch have been finalized, including successful trial runs, track readiness, and security measures. Senior railway officials, along with local Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, are also expected to be present on the occasion.
At present, two Vande Bharat trains operate between Katra and Srinagar. These services will now be extended to Jammu, with revised schedules to be announced shortly by the Railways.
The introduction of direct train service is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the Union Territory’s winter and summer capitals, reducing travel time and offering a reliable alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, particularly during weather-related disruptions.
The development comes ahead of the annual Darbar Move, with Civil Secretariat offices in Jammu closing between April 30 and May 2, and reopening in Srinagar on May 4.
The service is also expected to benefit pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3, by providing seamless connectivity from Jammu to the Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat service and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, ensuring all-weather rail access to Kashmir.
The upcoming extension to Jammu marks another milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism and economic activity across Jammu and Kashmir.
