 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 20: Indian Railways is set to introduce a third Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar via Udhampur. The new service will provide passengers with another travel option and help increase train capacity between the two cities of Jammu and Kashmir.
At present, two Vande Bharat trains, operating four services, run between Jammu and Srinagar. Both Vande Bharat trains for the Kashmir Valley were introduced on June 6, 2025, initially running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. From April 30, 2026, the services were extended to Jammu Tawi railway station, giving passengers a direct Vande Bharat connection between Jammu and Srinagar. These are: train numbers 26401/26402 and 26404/26403.
According to the Railways, both Vande Bharat trains have been running with full occupancy since their launch. Keeping the high demand in mind, the Railways increased the number of coaches in each train from 16 to 20.
A letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw states that approval has been given for a third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur. The new service will operate as Train number 26407/26408 Jammu Tawi-Srinagar-Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat Express.
The Vande Bharat Express operating between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar currently has four en-route stoppages. These stations are: Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal. It takes 04:45 hrs to cover a distance of 269 km. |
