Kashmir to Get Direct Rail Connection with Rest of India: Vande Bharat Expands Service

Jammu:

The northern railways is now focusing on establishing direct rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, following the successful launch of twin Vande Bharat trains on the Srinagar-Katra route in June, which completed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link.

According to Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu division, efforts are underway to resolve operational and security challenges to achieve this significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to PTI after implementing a two-minute stoppage for the semi-high speed Vande Bharat trains at Reasi station, Singhal emphasized that connecting Kashmir to the railway network was a dream project.

"The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, represented a historic achievement as the first rail service linking Kashmir with Kanyakumari. This initial service between Katra and Srinagar has paved the way for further connectivity," Singhal stated.

"Work is progressing efficiently to address operational and security issues to soon provide direct train services between Kashmir and other regions of the country," he added.

Beginning Thursday, the Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express, trains 26401 and 26402, will include a two-minute halt at Reasi railway station.

The train will depart Katra railway station at 8:10 am, arriving at Reasi at 8:28 am before continuing to Srinagar. For the return journey, train 26402 will reach Reasi station at 4:34 pm.

"The Reasi station stoppage was introduced experimentally for one month after railway board approval, as Reasi is an important district headquarters. The continuation of this stop will depend on passenger feedback and commercial viability," Singhal explained, noting that previously the route only had one stop at Banihal, an essential trans-shipment point.

The decision to add Reasi as a second stoppage came in response to persistent requests from local residents and political representatives.

Singhal highlighted that the railway is making comprehensive efforts to maintain connectivity and deliver excellent service to passengers.

"When road connectivity was disrupted by heavy rains in August-September, railways introduced a special train for one month to ensure smooth travel between Katra and Banihal," he recalled.

The Katra-Srinagar train service has received widespread acclaim for its speed, comfort, and reliability.

"Adding Reasi as a stopover will further enhance regional connectivity, benefiting pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists exploring the Chenab Bridge and nearby attractions," Singhal said.

Senior BJP leader and Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, who boarded the train at Reasi for Srinagar after a flagging-in ceremony, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for fulfilling the public's demand.

BJP district president Rohit Dubey welcomed the development, expressing hope that the railway ministry would approve a special tourist train from Reasi to iconic structures like the world's tallest railway bridge over Chenab and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji, boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities.