Jammu: Vande Bharat reaches Srinagar from Jammu in six hours; operational from April 30; reservations likely from today

April 25, 2026

Starting April 30, the Vande Bharat Express will speed directly between Jammu and Srinagar. The train is currently undergoing trials ahead of its inauguration. A speed trial for the Vande Bharat was conducted on Friday. Comprising twenty coaches, the train completed the journey from Jammu to Srinagar in approximately six hours. Reservations for the service are expected to open on Saturday or Sunday.

The Vande Bharat departed from Platform Number 7 at Jammu Tawi station at approximately 12:15 PM. Traveling at 70-90 kilometers per hour, the train reached Srinagar at 5:00 PM. It is scheduled to return to Jammu Tawi from there on Saturday.

Similarly, another Vande Bharat rake, stationed at Budgam, departed at 10:00 AM and arrived at Jammu Tawi station at 5:00 PM. During this journey, it had to yield the right of way to several other trains, resulting in a longer travel time. This rake, too, is scheduled to depart from Jammu Tawi on Saturday.

Railway Minister to Flag Off Train from Jammu Tawi at 10:30 AM
The Vande Bharat Express (02601) connecting Jammu to Srinagar via the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station will be flagged off jointly by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh. The Railway Minister will officially flag off the train from Jammu Tawi station on April 30 at 10:30 AM. The train is scheduled to arrive at Katra station at 11:54 AM; after a five-minute halt, it will depart at 11:59 AM and reach Srinagar at 3:05 PM. According to the railway administration, the dates and timings for the train’s regular commercial operations will be announced separately in due course.

Security Measures: Bag Scanners and Metal Detector Gates Being Installed
Preparations are currently underway at Jammu Tawi station in anticipation of the launch of this new train service. To enhance security, bag scanners and walk-through metal detector gates are being installed. Additionally, the newly constructed foot overbridge is being given its final touches. Cleaning work is underway at the event venue, Platforms 6 and 7.