Vande Bharat Express Between Jammu and Srinagar Commences Operations

In a big boost to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the first Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar has started today, May 2, 2026. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the first direct Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Srinagar which will cut the travel time to just five hours. At present, it can take up to seven hours by car via the Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH44), which can be closed for days due to landslides during rain and snowfall.

The Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is a significant milestone for transport across one of India's most challenging terrains. The 20-coach Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar marks the first direct rail link between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir. Regular services for the public commence from today.

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will significantly cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar while ensuring reliable, all-weather surface connectivity between the two cities. The new direct rail service will run on all six days a week, except Tuesdays, as per a TOI report. The Vande Bharat will stop at only four stations: Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar.

The ticket prices reportedly range from Rs 715 to Rs 1,515 depending on class and departure. For the morning train (26404), the AC Chair Car (CC) fare is ₹715, while the Executive Chair Car (EC) costs ₹1,320. For the afternoon train (26402), the CC fare is ₹880 and the EC fare is ₹1,515. Meals are included across all classes.

There will be two trains (26401/26402 and 26403/26404) running on this route, covering a total distance of around 266 kilometers. The journey will be completed in five hours compared to the eight to nine hours the same stretch typically takes by road, depending on terrain and weather.

The first service, Train No. 26401, will depart from Jammu Tawi railway station at 6:20 AM and halt at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal before reaching Srinagar at 11:10 AM, covering the journey in 4 hours 50 minutes. Its return service, Train No. 26402, will leave Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrive back at Jammu Tawi by 6:50 PM. This train pair will run six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays.

The second pair begins with Train No. 26404, which departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM and, after stopping at Banihal and Katra, reaches Jammu Tawi at 12:40 PM. The return service, Train No. 26403, will depart Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM and arrive in Srinagar by 6:00 PM. This pair will also operate six days a week.

"It is a historic moment... With the efforts of PM Modi and after the inauguration by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this train has entered regular operation today, and we express gratitude to them... Many things will change through this train, and the people of J&K will also benefit economically with this," one of the passengers told ANI.

"This will save a lot of time... and it will also benefit a lot of people... This is a better way to travel from Jammu to Srinagar and is good for tourism," another passenger said.

The Vande Bharat train has 20 coaches and can accommodate around 1,400 passengers. It is equipped with insulated coaches and water pipelines designed to prevent freezing during harsh winter conditions in the region.