In a major boost to connectivity in the Kashmir Valley, the Ministry of Railways has officially approved the launch of Vande Bharat Express services between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. This high-speed semi-bullet train promises faster, more efficient, and comfortable travel for residents and tourists alike.
According to the Railway Board’s latest circular (CC-21/2025), the newly sanctioned services will operate as Train Nos. 26401/02 and 26403/04, connecting Jammu Tawi and Srinagar with limited but strategic halts. The four designated stops include:
Jammu Tawi
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
Banihal
Srinagar
The trains will run on all days of the week except Tuesday for Train No. 26401 and Wednesday for Train No. 26404.
Train Timings
26401 (Jammu Tawi – Srinagar)
Departure: 06:20 AM from Jammu Tawi
Arrival: 11:10 AM at Srinagar
26402 (Srinagar – Jammu Tawi)
Departure: 02:00 PM from Srinagar
Arrival: 06:50 PM at Jammu Tawi
26403 (Jammu Tawi – Srinagar)
Departure: 01:20 PM from Jammu Tawi
Arrival: 06:00 PM at Srinagar
26404 (Srinagar – Jammu Tawi)
Departure: 08:00 AM from Srinagar
Arrival: 12:40 PM at Jammu Tawi
At present, there will be no direct train from Delhi or any other part of India to Kashmir. Passengers traveling from other regions will have to de-board at Katra and change to the Vande Bharat train bound for Srinagar. Later, this interchange point will be shifted to Jammu, streamlining the journey further
Each journey includes brief stops at Banihal and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, significantly reducing the total travel time between Jammu and Srinagar. The newly released schedule is expected to enhance religious tourism as well, given the inclusion of Katra in the route — a major pilgrimage hub for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi.
The Vande Bharat Express will be officially flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, marking a historic moment for the region. The inaugural run is expected to draw nationwide attention and will symbolically represent India’s infrastructural growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
This long-awaited rail service marks a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development and is seen as a vital step towards integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the country. With the Vande Bharat Express now reaching the heart of Kashmir, travelers can expect a dramatic improvement in both comfort and travel times.