JAMMU (Metro Rail News): A direct Vande Bharat service will now link Jammu Tawi railway station and Srinagar railway station. The train cuts travel time to under 5 hrs across a key mountain corridor. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the service on April 30, 2026. The commercial run is going to begin on 2 May (Today) under Northern Railway.
Route, distance and travel time
The train will cover about 270 km between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. The journey will take around 4 hours and 50 minutes. Ashwini Vaishnaw described the service as the first ever for such high altitudes. He expects faster and more reliable travel across the region.
Services and train numbers
A total of 4 services (two pairs) will run on the route, and this will ensure multiple daily options for passengers.
- 26401 – 26402
- 26404 – 26403
Timings
- 26401 (Jammu Tawi to Srinagar): It will depart at 6:20 AM and arrive at 11:10 AM
- 26402 (Srinagar to Jammu Tawi): It will depart at 2:00 PM and arrive at 6:50 PM
- 26404 (Srinagar to Jammu Tawi): It will depart at 8:00 AM and arrive at 12:40 PM
- 26403 (Jammu Tawi to Srinagar): It will depart at 1:20 PM and arrive at 6:00 PM
Stops on the route
The train will halt at 3 stations
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station
- Reasi railway station
- Banihal railway station
Frequency and coaches
The train will have 20 coaches. It includes an AC chair car and an Executive Chair Car.
- 26401 and 26402 will run daily except on Tuesday
- 26404 and 26403 will also run daily except on Wednesday
The service earlier ran between Katra and Srinagar. The new extension now connects Jammu city directly with Srinagar. This new link will also reduce travel time and improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. It will offer a faster option for both daily travel and tourism.
