Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
Indian Railways has approved a third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Udhampur, providing an additional high-speed rail option on the increasingly busy Jammu–Kashmir corridor.
The new service will operate as Train Nos. 26407/26408 Jammu Tawi–Srinagar–Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat Express, according to a letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on X.
The approval comes amid sustained passenger demand for the existing Vande Bharat services on the route. According to the Railways, the two trains currently operating between Jammu and Srinagar have been witnessing full occupancy since their introduction, prompting the need for additional capacity.
The existing Vande Bharat services were initially introduced on June 6, 2025, between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. Subsequently, from April 30, 2026, both services were extended to Jammu Tawi, establishing a direct Vande Bharat rail link between Jammu and Srinagar.
The two existing services operate as Train Nos. 26401/26402 and 26404/26403. The introduction of the third service is expected to provide passengers with greater flexibility and another option for travelling between the two major cities.
The Railways had earlier responded to rising demand by increasing the coach strength of both existing Vande Bharat trains from 16 to 20 coaches.
The move was aimed at accommodating more passengers on the route, which has emerged as an important rail connection between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
The existing Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat service has four en-route stoppages at Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal.
The 269-kilometre journey between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar is covered in approximately four hours and 45 minutes, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable alternative for travel between the two cities.
The approval of the third Vande Bharat service is expected to further strengthen rail connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
The Jammu–Srinagar railway corridor has gained strategic and economic importance, providing an alternative to road travel and improving access between the two regions. The additional service is likely to benefit daily travellers, tourists, business passengers and other commuters, particularly during periods of high demand.
The new train is also expected to ease pressure on the existing services, which have continued to attract strong passenger demand since their introduction.
With three Vande Bharat services now planned between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, passengers will have more travel options while the additional capacity is expected to support the growing demand for fast rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.
