The Kashmir Valley is experiencing a significant increase in tourist arrivals this summer, attributed to improved connectivity via the Vande Bharat Express and a rise in personal vehicle travel. While tourism is booming, Srinagar faces traffic congestion, and some hoteliers have lowered room rates despite high occupancy.
The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, launched on May 2, transported 1.01 lakh passengers in its first 22 days. Passengers reported positive feedback on comfort and safety, noting the train's punctuality and reliability as an alternative to the often-disrupted National Highway 44.
The first Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar began operations on May 2, 2026, reducing travel time to five hours. The 20-coach train connects the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, operating six days a week except Tuesdays, with fares ranging from Rs 715 to Rs 1,515.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the first direct Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, a 20-coach train covering 267km in about five hours. Regular operations begin May 2 with two pairs running six days a week. The service can carry 1,400 passengers and operate in extreme conditions down to -10°C. J&K CM Omar Abdullah called it transformative for connectivity, industry, and freight movement.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar, marking the first direct rail link between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.
