Good news for travellers. The wait for the train service between Jammu and Srinagar is about to come to an end. In the upcoming weeks, the Vande Bharat Express will begin operations, featuring state-of-the-art technology that will allow it to travel from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to Srinagar in just 3 hours and 10 minutes.
However, it remains uncertain when direct train services from Delhi to Srinagar will commence. Currently, the Railways has released the schedule for the Vande Bharat and other trains operating on the Jammu-Srinagar route.
As per reports, the train is set to depart from Katra at 8:10 am and arrive in Srinagar by 11:20 am. On its return trip, it will leave Srinagar at 12:45 pm and reach SVDK at 3:55 pm. Additionally, two other mail and express trains will also operate on this route, taking approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes for the journey.
The Railways has prepared the Vande Bharat Express along with five more AC trains specifically for this route, taking into account the unique weather conditions of the Kashmir Valley. Modifications have been made to these trains to accommodate the winter snowfall and cold temperatures. Currently, six trains are operational in the valley, including one featuring a vistadome coach.
To enhance rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Indian Railways has announced the establishment of the Jammu Rail Division. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stone for this project on Monday, January 6. This initiative aims to reduce the reliance of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Pathankot on the Ferozepur division.
