Muhammad Suhail
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, April 30 : In a first time in the history of independent India, the twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir — Jammu and Srinagar — were directly connected by a train service on Thursday, a milestone achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The historic Vande Bharat Express, flagged off by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, created history by linking the two capitals for the first time since Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India 79 years ago.
Originally inaugurated by PM Modi on June 6, 2025, the service had remained limited for nearly eight months to the Katra-Srinagar corridor. Thursday’s launch marked the first time the full 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) — a ₹44,000-crore project completed over 25 years — became operational between the two capitals.
Officials informed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that for the first time, an everyday, all-weather passenger service now connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, overcoming disruptions that have historically affected both the Jammu-Srinagar highway and air link due to inclement weather.
“This is the first time history has been created by connecting the two capitals under PM Modi’s leadership,” a senior official said, highlighting that the train service provides Kashmir’s first assured physical integration with the national railway network.
Regular services will begin from May 2. The first pair (Train No. 26401/26402) will operate six days a week except Tuesdays, covering the distance in four hours and 50 minutes. A second pair (Train No. 26403/26404) will run six days a week except Wednesdays.
Officials said the new Jammu-Srinagar train has been upgraded to 20 coaches — a first for the route — compared to the existing eight-coach Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat, in view of huge passenger rush.
Preparations are underway to extend the service from Budgam to Jammu and ultimately from Baramulla to New Delhi, officials added. The travel time between Jammu and Srinagar is also expected to be reduced from four hours 50 minutes to four hours — another first for the valley’s rail connectivity under the Modi government, they said.
Passengers on the inaugural run of the train service between Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday hailed the launch as a “gift from Modi ji” while urging people to keep the coaches clean.
We are very thankful to Modi ji, who gave us a train. Earlier, they used to drop us in the middle of the road,” Sanjana a female passenger told KNS.
Describing the service as a “very big achievement,” another passenger said, “Today, for the first time, our train is going from Jammu to Kashmir. If there are landslides or an emergency, we could not reach on time earlier. Now our time will be covered in 3-4 hours.”
The passenger, who identified himself as a sportsperson, said the train was “better than an aeroplane” but expressed concern over its upkeep.
“We join our hands and request — like they have given us this train as a gift, but if we will not keep it clean, then there is no point. Whoever has government property should take care of it, like we take care of our homes,” he added.
Another passenger said, “Come and go, enjoy it well. This is a very big achievement for us, for Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
