Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat is designated to have a new halt in Kashmir. This move would benefit the people of the region and would make the commute more convenient. Earlier also Jammu Tawi was made the new halt after Katra.
The Ministry of Railways has approved a commercial stoppage of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag, following a meeting between Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The decision marks a significant enhancement in railway connectivity for south Kashmir and is expected to benefit commuters, tourists and traders by providing improved access to one of the region’s key economic centres.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah discussed ongoing and proposed railway projects aimed at strengthening transport infrastructure and supporting economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Presently, a total of two Vande Bharat trains (four Vande Bharat train services) are operational in the Kashmir Valley. It was flagged off on June 6, 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between Srinagar and Katra.
However, due to surge in passenger demand, the Ministry of Railways increased the number of coaches in each Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express train from 16 to 20 in April.
The newly approved halt of the express at Anantnag would make travel more convenient for people of the region and is expected to reduce travel time. It would also integrate the region more closely with the broader rail network linking Jammu and Srinagar.
It would further improve freight movement benefiting particularly the horticultural sector as well as the movement of materials, goods etc.
Earlier halt at Katra
Earlier the Vande Bharat would halt at Katra while coming from the Kashmir valley. Now the halt has been extended to Jammu Tawi station.
This move was widely appreciated by the people across the union territory.
