New Delhi: The proposed launch of the Vande Bharat Express service between Srinagar and Jammu, scheduled for March 1, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. Railway authorities confirmed that the Railway Board has put the notification programme for the extension on hold until further notice.
Earlier in the day, Northern Railway had formally announced the much anticipated expansion, marking what was described as a significant development in improving rail connectivity within Jammu and Kashmir. The move aimed to directly link Srinagar with Jammu, connecting the two capital cities of the Union Territory and addressing long standing public demand for smoother travel between the regions.
The extension was also viewed as an important milestone in strengthening Kashmir’s rail integration with the rest of the country. The Srinagar to Katra Vande Bharat service was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year, marking a historic step in expanding modern rail infrastructure in the Valley.
As part of the planned upgrade, the Railways had announced an increase in the number of coaches on the Vande Bharat train operating between Katra and Srinagar, expanding capacity from eight to 20 coaches. The existing service has gained popularity across Jammu and Kashmir but has struggled to manage rising passenger demand due to limited capacity and frequency.
Currently, regular rail services extend only up to Katra. Passengers travelling to or from Srinagar must change trains at the station, a process that adds time and inconvenience. Although the proposed extension to Jammu would not eliminate the need for transshipment, it was considered a crucial step toward eventually establishing a direct rail connection between Srinagar and major cities such as Delhi.
Despite the temporary setback, the expansion remains a significant component of broader efforts to enhance rail connectivity in the region.
