Indian Railways is set to add a third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Udhampur, offering passengers an additional travel option on the busy Jammu-Kashmir route. Currently, two Vande Bharat trains operate between Jammu and Srinagar, providing a total of four services. Read on to know more about the new Vande Bharat train on the route.
Jammu-Kashmir Gets A Third Vande Bharat Express
The trains were initially introduced on June 6, 2025, when they operated between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. From April 30, 2026, both services were extended to Jammu Tawi, providing a direct Vande Bharat connection between Jammu and Srinagar. The existing services operate as train numbers 26401/26402 and 26404/26403. The trains have reportedly been running at full occupancy since their launch, prompting the Railways to increase the number of coaches from 16 to 20 in each train.
The approval for the third service was announced by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who shared a letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on X. According to the letter, the new service will operate as Train No. 26407/26408 Jammu Tawi-Srinagar-Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat Express via Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur. The current Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat service has four en-route stops: Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal.
Also Read: 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains For Long-Distance Routes Coming Soon With 24 Coaches Each
The train covers the 269-km distance between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar in around 4 hours and 45 minutes. The introduction of a third service is expected to increase capacity and provide greater flexibility for passengers travelling between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
Other Vande Bharat Express Additions
The Jammu-Srinagar announcement comes amid a wider expansion of the Vande Bharat network. One of the major upcoming services is the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper, which Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said is expected to start soon. The train is aimed at strengthening overnight connectivity between the two major cities, with its final schedule and stoppages to be announced by the Railways.
The development also includes Vande Bharat Sleeper services, with the first sleeper service already operating between Howrah and Guwahati and another sleeper train having reached Bengaluru ahead of its proposed launch. The Bengaluru-Mumbai service is among the major upcoming sleeper connections expected to add more overnight options for long-distance passengers.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Sleeper Feels Like A Flight On Rails, Traveller Praises Premium Experience
What are your thoughts about the third Vande Bharat Express on the Jammu-Kashmir route?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is Vande Bharat going to Kashmir?
Yes, direct Vande Bharat Express service operates to Kashmir.
Is there any Vande Bharat train from Jammu to Srinagar?
Yes, direct Vande Bharat train service operates between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar.
How to book a Kashmir Vande Bharat ticket?
To book a ticket for the Kashmir Vande Bharat Express (connecting stations like Srinagar SINA, Jammu Tawi JAT, and Katra SVDK), use the official IRCTC Website or the IRCTC Rail Connect app.