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Omar Abdullah Urges Higher Frequency, Capacity for Direct Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat; Start Planned April 30
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the proposed direct Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, calling for increased frequency and capacity. The train is expected to begin on April 30, 2026, after prior developments including the Srinagar-Katra service launch and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line completion.
Why It Matters
Improved all-weather rail connectivity could boost tourism and pilgrimage access to Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley, strengthening links with the rest of India.
Timeline
6 Events
Omar Abdullah calls for higher frequency and capacity
April 28, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the initiative, urged an increase in train frequency and capacity, and said he would convey the suggestions to the Union minister on the inauguration day.
Winterisation features for the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
April 28, 2026
Railway officials announced winterisation features for the new train, including self-regulating heating cables, warm-air ducting for restrooms, windshield embedded heating element, and heated air dryer components to ensure operation in sub-zero temperatures.
Direct Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to start on April 30, 2026
April 28, 2026
Direct Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is likely to start from April 30, 2026, nearly 10 months after the Srinagar-Katra service launch.
Current Srinagar-Katra service operates two trains daily
April 28, 2026
As of April 28, 2026, two Vande Bharat trains operate daily between Katra and Srinagar, totaling four trips (Katra-Srinagar and back).
Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express inaugurated
June 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express in June 2025, paving the way for rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line completed
January 2025
The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line was completed in January 2025, enabling rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.