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Vaishnaw to flag off Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat; public services begin May 2, 2026
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar on April 30, 2026, with public services starting on May 2. The service will reduce travel time and boost tourism, building on the USBRL project linking Kashmir to the rest of India.
Why It Matters
This milestone enhances connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, supporting tourism and the local economy, and marks a significant expansion of rail links to Kashmir.
Timeline
9 Events
Vaishnaw visits Anji Bridge and Chenab Bridge
April 30, 2026
Following the flag-off, Vaishnaw is scheduled to visit the Anji Bridge and the Chenab Bridge.
Maiden journey of Vande Bharat Express
April 30, 2026
The inaugural Vande Bharat Express will cover 267 kilometres on its maiden journey from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar.
Flag-off of 20-coach Vande Bharat Express (Jammu-Srinagar)
April 30, 2026
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw flag off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar. The service will operate six days a week with no service on Tuesdays.
Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat trial run
April 28, 2026
A trial run of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was conducted from Jammu to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
PM Modi inaugurates Katra-Srinagar direct train
June 6, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first direct train service between Katra and Srinagar.
Jammu Railway Division established
January 2025
A dedicated Jammu Railway Division was created.
Kashmir Valley gets first electric train
February 2024
Kashmir Valley saw its first electric train.
First train operation in Kashmir valley
October 2008
The first train operated in the Kashmir valley.
Train services reach Udhampur
2005
Train services had reached Udhampur by 2005.