Marking a major step in enhancing rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Railways has announced the timetable for the newly introduced Vande Bharat Express train services between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar.
The semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains will have limited halts, stopping only at four stations along the route, including Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal and Srinagar. Two pairs of Vande Bharat trains-numbered 26401/02 and 26403/04-have been approved for the route.
The trains will operate six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance. From Srinagar, train number 26402 will depart at 1400 hrs and arrive at Jammu Tawi at 1850 hrs, except on Tuesdays.
Train number 26404 will depart Srinagar at 0800 hrs and reach Jammu Tawi by 1240 hrs, not running on Wednesdays. In the return direction, train number 26401 will leave Jammu Tawi at 06:20 hrs and reach Srinagar at 11:10 hrs, except on Tuesdays.
Train number 26403 will depart Jammu Tawi at 13:20 hrs and arrive in Srinagar at 18:00 hrs, not operating on Wednesdays. The Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar and offer improved travel conditions. The launch is a major development for the region’s railway infrastructure and is expected to significantly improve tourism, business, and commuting in the region.