The long-awaited direct train between Jammu and Srinagar is likely to begin operations after October this year, raising hopes for all-weather connectivity at a time when repeated highway closures have crippled movement and trade in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 272-km railway link, traversing through mountains, tunnels, and the iconic Chenab Bridge, is seen as a vital alternative.
“The Jammu railway station expansion works were targeted for September but got delayed by three weeks,” quoting a senior official, media reports said on Wednesday, as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
“The direct train between Jammu and Srinagar is in the pipeline. It is on the high-priority list and can start after October.”
Currently, two eight-coach Vande Bharat trains operate between Katra and Srinagar, carrying about 900 passengers each. Officials said that operational constraints—such as the need for a dedicated platform for security reasons, completion of a Foot Over Bridge (FoB), lifts, and a maintenance facility—are holding up the launch of the direct service.
“These facilities will be accomplished by October-end. We can introduce the direct Vande Bharat train subsequently,” another official said. However, he clarified that no additional trains are planned for now due to the “limitations of the two-track Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link.”
Instead, the Railway division has proposed doubling the capacity of existing Vande Bharat trains. “There is huge public demand for additional trains. But that can hit local services and track maintenance. Hence, increasing coaches from eight to 16 or even 20 is under consideration. That can most likely happen after winter as the coaches are specially designed for this corridor,” the official explained.
The train’s design includes anti-frost technology and heating systems to withstand sub-zero temperatures in the Valley, making it suitable for year-round operation. (KINS)
