Jammu, Apr 30: People across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday hailed the launch of the direct Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar, calling it a major step towards improved connectivity, tourism and economic growth.
Passengers and stakeholders termed the development a “game changer,” highlighting that the service would significantly reduce travel time, cut costs, and provide all-weather connectivity to the Valley.
“It is a game-changer for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Not only will it save time and energy, but it will ensure all-weather connectivity. It will give a big boost to trade and tourism,” said Arvind Singh, a travel agent who was among those onboard the inaugural journey.
He added that tourists and pilgrims, especially those visiting the Amarnath Yatra, were previously dependent on road transport, which was often disrupted by traffic congestion, landslides, and adverse weather conditions.
“Now, pilgrims can conveniently use the train service,” he said. Echoing similar sentiments, a trader, Bushan Chand, said transporting goods to the Kashmir Valley by trucks was both time-consuming and expensive.
“This train service will be a game-changer for our businesses. It will ease travel and logistics. We thank the Government of India for extending the train to Jammu,” he said.
A government employee, Mustaq Ahmed, who was travelling back to Srinagar, said the train would particularly benefit employees commuting between the twin capitals.
“This is the best mode of transport. One can travel to Kashmir and return the same day. The travel time has reduced to less than four hours,” he said.
Students and other passengers also expressed happiness over the new service. “We are very happy. Earlier, we had to travel to Katra to board a train to Kashmir. Now, the train is available directly from Jammu. We thank Narendra Modi for this,” said Veenta, a Class 12 student.
Mukhatar Ahmed said that earlier travel, especially for pilgrimages, was fraught with difficulties. “Now, we can directly reach Srinagar. It will save both time and money. Road travel often involved landslides and weather disruptions, which caused major hardships. These issues will now be minimised,” he said.
Sardar Parminder, a university student, termed the initiative a commendable step by the government. “Direct connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar is highly beneficial, especially for pilgrims and tourists,” he added.
The direct train service is expected to boost tourism, trade, and overall socio-economic development in the region while ensuring reliable, all-weather surface connectivity.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express, marking the first direct train service between the twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.
The train, which previously operated from Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run all the way to Jammu Tawi, bringing the country’s most modern train directly to J&K’s largest city and railway hub.
The extended Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will enter regular service from May 2.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the first direct train service between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, 2025.
The extension to Jammu marks another milestone in the ambitious Rs 43,780-crore railway project connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, work on which began in the late 1990s. The first train in the Kashmir Valley started operations in October 2008. (PTI)
