Basit Zargar/Srinagar

Boosting connectivity between Kashmir and rest of the mainland, the newly launched Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is witnessing an enthusiastic public response, with 8,925 passengers travelling on the route within the first two days of its operation, officials said.

Passengers at Srinagar Railway Station

Railway authorities note that the semi-high-speed train is running with high occupancy, reflecting strong demand for faster and more comfortable connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. The service is expected to reduce travel time while offering modern amenities to passengers.

#WATCH | Jammu: On the extended service of the Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express, J&K BJP President Sat Sharma says, "A new chapter will be added to the history of Jammu and Kashmir... We want to express our gratitude to Prime Minister Modi. First, we received the gift of Katra… pic.twitter.com/nTS3ySJIFI

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2026

A senior railway official says the response has exceeded initial expectations. “We are seeing very encouraging numbers right from day one. The occupancy levels indicate that people are ready to shift to faster and more reliable rail travel,” the official says.

Passengers onboard also express satisfaction with the experience. Abdul Rashid, a commuter from Anantnag, says the journey feels smooth and convenient. “This is a big change for us. The train is clean, comfortable, and saves a lot of time compared to road travel,” he says.

Vande Bharat Express begins regular service between Jammu and Kashmir Valley, departing at 6:20 AM.

Passengers hail it as a transformative step, strengthening the Jammu–Srinagar link under PM @narendramodi.@airnewsalerts @RailwayNorthern @Drm_Jammu
Report: @RahiKapoor2 pic.twitter.com/5XT1lj3oDq

— Akashvani News Jammu (@radionews_jammu) May 2, 2026

Another traveller, Meenakshi Sharma from Jammu, highlights the improved facilities. “The seating, cleanliness, and overall service are excellent. It feels like a premium travel experience,” she says.

Passengers clicking a selfie with the Vande Bharat train

Tourism stakeholders believe the train will boost visitor inflow to the Valley. A local tour operator, Imran Khan, says the service will make Kashmir more accessible. “Better connectivity means more tourists. This train will definitely help the tourism sector grow,” he says.

Railway officials add that they are closely monitoring operations and may consider increasing frequency if the demand continues to rise.

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The Jammu-to-Srinagar direct train journey takes 4.30 hours, compared with 10-11 hours by bus earlier. So far, the Vande Bharat train would run between Srinagar-Katra and passengers from Jammu and Delhi have to board the train from Katra to reach Srinagar.