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Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat To Debut On April 30: Check Schedule, Route & Travel Time

The Jammu-Kashmir Vande Bharat train is all set for an inaugural run on April 30, 2026, finishing the USBRL project.

by Tanvi Shrivastava
Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat To Debut On April 30: Check Schedule, Route & Travel Time

The long-awaited launch of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is all set to mark a major milestone in India’s railway connectivity. The new Vande Bharat is all set to be inaugurated on April 30, 2026. This train, operated by Indian Railways, will provide the first direct rail link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, significantly cutting travel time and improving accessibility. Read on to know more.

Jammu-Kashmir Vande Bharat To Be Inaugurated On April 30

The train is all set for an inaugural run on April 30, 2026, finishing the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. As per reports by Times Now, with the launch of this, all passengers will be able to travel directly from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar without any road transfers.

The launch of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is way more than just a new train service. The launch will highlight the completion of a decades-long infrastructure project aimed at connecting Kashmir more closely with the rest of India. This improved connectivity is expected to boost tourism and provide an easy and reliable travel option for both residents and visitors.

Route & Schedule Of The Train

The Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will run along one of the most risky railway routes of India. The journey will start from Jammu Tawi, and the train will pass through major stations such as Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Anantnag before reaching its last destination: Srinagar. Depending on scheduling, some services may extend further to Baramulla. One of the major highlights of the route is the crossing over the Chenab Rail Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world. The journey will also feature long tunnels through the Pir Panjal range, allowing smooth connectivity even during rough weather.
As per reports, the final timetable is expected to be released closer to the launch. The journey between Jammu and Srinagar is estimated to take almost 6 hours. This is an important improvement compared to road travel, which takes around 8 to 12 hours. The train is likely to operate during daytime hours, offering scenic views of the Himalayan landscape to the travellers.

Other Key Features Of The Train

The Vande Bharat Express is famous for its modern features, including comfortable seating, onboard food service, automatic doors, and improved safety systems. As per reports, the train has been specially adapted to operate in cold weather conditions for the Kashmir route, with enhanced heating systems and insulation to ensure passenger comfort during winter. Large panoramic windows are expected to be an important highlight, allowing travellers to witness the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read: Vande Bharat From Gujarat Records 32 Lakh Riders In 13 Months; Ahmedabad-Mumbai Trains Lead

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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First Published: April 28, 2026 6:01 PM

FAQs

Does Vande Bharat go to Srinagar?

Yes, a new direct Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to start services connecting Jammu Tawi to Srinagar on April 30, 2026.

Can we go Srinagar to Jammu by train?

Yes, we can go from Srinagar to Jammu by train.

Which station is closed for 42 years?

Begunkodar Railway Station in the Purulia district of West Bengal, India, was abandoned for 42 years due to alleged hauntings.