Srinagar Jammu Vande Bharat extended to Jammu Tawi from May 2
Srinagar Jammu Vande Bharat, Jammu Tawi extension, USBRL rail link, India's fastest train in J&K gets longer route, more coaches, and smoother travel for pilgrims, tourists and locals.
India’s high-speed Srinagar Jammu Vande Bharat train is getting a major upgrade. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended service from Jammu Tawi on April 30, 2026. Earlier, the train ran only between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Now, it will connect directly to Jammu Tawi, the region’s busiest rail hub. At the same time, the train has been expanded from 8 to 20 coaches due to strong passenger demand.
Regular services begin May 2, making travel easier for pilgrims, tourists, traders and daily commuters.
ROUTE, TIMINGS AND SERVICES
The extended Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat will run two pairs of trains across the 266 km route, six days a week.
- Train 26401: Jammu Tawi (6:20 AM) Srinagar (11:10 AM), except Tuesday
- Train 26402: Srinagar (2:00 PM) Jammu Tawi (6:50 PM)
- Train 26404: Srinagar (8:00 AM) Jammu Tawi (12:40 PM), except Wednesday
- Train 26403: Jammu Tawi (1:20 PM) Srinagar (6:00 PM)
Passengers now get both morning and afternoon options from either side.
NO MORE TRAIN CHANGE AT KATRA
Earlier, travellers had to switch trains at Katra. That step is now gone.
Pilgrims heading to Vaishno Devi or combining it with the Amarnath Yatra can now travel in one go. Tourists can land in Jammu and ride straight to Srinagar without road travel.
This also makes things easier for students, officials and patients travelling between Jammu and Srinagar.
BUILT FOR WINTER AND HIGH DEMAND
The Vande Bharat train is designed for harsh weather. It can run in temperatures as low as minus 20°C, with heated systems and weather-proof features.
This matters when snowfall shuts down highways. Rail then becomes the most reliable option.
The jump to 20 coaches more than doubles seating capacity, reducing waitlists, especially during peak tourist and pilgrimage seasons.
BOOST FOR TOURISM AND BUSINESS
The new USBRL rail link and extended route are expected to improve tourism across Jammu & Kashmir.
Traders and artisans dealing in pashmina, saffron, carpets and handicrafts will benefit from faster and more reliable travel. It cuts time and costs, making business trips easier.
ENGINEERING MARVELS ON THE ROUTE
During the visit, Ashwini Vaishnaw will inspect two major structures:
Anji Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge
Chenab Bridge: World’s highest railway arch bridge
Both are part of the USBRL project costing Rs 43,780 crore, with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
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A DECADE OF RAIL CHANGES
Rail connectivity in J&K has grown steadily.
- Udhampur-Katra line opened in 2014
- First electric train in Kashmir in 2024
- Jammu Railway Division formed in 2025
The first Vande Bharat on this route was flagged off by Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025.
This new extension takes that effort further, connecting more people with faster, smoother travel.