How Vande Bharat, J&K's new lifeline, cuts Jammu-Srinagar trip to 4.5 hours
The Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar has emerged as a new lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir, rapidly becoming the preferred mode of
The Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar has emerged as a new lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir, rapidly becoming the preferred mode of transport for both locals and tourists. The semi-high-speed, all-weather train has not only significantly improved connectivity between the Union Territory’s twin capital cities, but has also given a major boost to tourism, the backbone of J&K’s economy. Read Full Story The train service has become one of the most sought-after modes of transport during the peak tourist season, with tickets running fully booked on most days. Travel time between Jammu and Srinagar has now been reduced to less than five hours. The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat service was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30 this year. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through the rail network. One of the most significant features of the train is its ability to operate in all weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, making it especially crucial for the region. To experience the journey firsthand, I, along with my cameraman, travelled on the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Srinagar. We booked Executive Class tickets to get the best experience of the journey. The train was scheduled to depart from Jammu Tawi railway station at 1.20 pm and arrive in Srinagar at 6.05 pm. Though it left Jammu at 1.30 pm, it reached Srinagar at 6 pm, five minutes ahead of schedule. The journey between the two cities took just four hours and 30 minutes, something that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. Before reaching Srinagar, the train halted at the following stations: Shaheed Capt Tushar Mahajan Udhampur station for 2 minutes; Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra for 5 minutes and Banihal for 2 minutes. Even before the scheduled departure, passengers had started arriving at Jammu Tawi railway station well in advance, and the excitement for the journey was palpable. As soon as the train arrived at Platform No 7, enthusiasm among passengers surged. Many were seen taking selfies and recording reels as the sleek train pulled into the station.
Once the doors opened, passengers boarded with excitement and quickly settled into their seats. After taking my seat, I noticed passengers enthusiastically admiring the surroundings through the train’s large glass windows. Soon after departure, bottled water was served, followed by tomato soup for passengers who had opted for meals. During the journey, I interacted with several passengers onboard. Speaking to India Today, many expressed happiness over the launch of the train service and thanked the government for making travel between Jammu and Srinagar more convenient. "It has been a great experience. This train service saves time and is extremely convenient. The Vande Bharat Express is now my preferred mode of transport between Jammu and Srinagar," said a passenger from Jammu who works with the defence forces. Another passenger said, "I want to thank the government for starting this service. It is going to give a major boost to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir." A government employee posted in Srinagar told me that the train had transformed his routine. "Earlier, I used to think twice before travelling home on weekends. Now, I visit my family almost every weekend. This has become possible only because of this train service," he said. Meanwhile, catering staff dressed in uniform served meals to passengers, followed later by traditional Kashmiri kehwa tea. During the journey, I also spotted J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma travelling onboard the train. "This train service has become possible because of the efforts of PM Modi. Earlier, the road journey between Jammu and Srinagar could take 10 to 12 hours. Now, we can reach Kashmir in about four hours. Connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through the rail network is one of the biggest achievements of the Modi government over the last 12 years," Sat Sharma told India Today onboard the train. The train’s first halt was at Shaheed Caption Tushar Mahajan Udhampur railway station, where it stopped for two minutes. Several passengers boarded from the station, which holds strategic importance as it is home to the Army’s Northern Command headquarters. The station was renamed in 2023 in honour of Caption Tushar Mahajan, who made the supreme sacrifice during an anti-terror operation in Pampore in South Kashmir in 2016.
The BriefWire