Vande Bharat extended to Jammu Tawi: Jammu directly linked with Kashmir by passenger train for the first time
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 30 April 2026 flagged off the Srinagar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express extended up to Jammu Tawi, directly linking Jammu and Kashmir by passenger train for the first time, with the train expanded from 8 to 20 coaches.
Summary
The Srinagar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express was extended up to Jammu Tawi railway station on 30 April 2026, when Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the service, directly linking Jammu and Kashmir by passenger train for the first time. Vaishnaw said the Vande Bharat had run with full occupancy since Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Jammu–Srinagar rail link on 6 June 2025, leading to its expansion from 8 to 20 coaches. Vaishnaw also said that 2 crore kg of apples have been transported from the Kashmir Valley by rail and that inward cement supplies have cut cement prices in the valley by ₹50 per bag; Ambala–Jammu multitracking is underway and a new line to Poonch and Rajouri is being planned. Vaishnaw also inspected the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges on the USBRL.
Key facts
- Flagged off
- 30 April 2026, by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Service
- Srinagar–SMVD Katra Vande Bharat extended to Jammu Tawi
- Coaches
- Expanded from 8 to 20
- Jammu–Srinagar rail link inaugurated
- 6 June 2025, by PM Narendra Modi
- Freight
- 2 crore kg apples moved out; cement ₹50/bag cheaper in the valley
- Planned
- Ambala–Jammu multitracking; new line to Poonch and Rajouri
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Vande Bharat Express extended up to Jammu Tawi on 30 April 2026, directly linking Jammu and Kashmir by passenger train, originally ran between Srinagar and which station?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
The Srinagar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express was extended up to Jammu Tawi.
Consider the following statements about the Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat service launched on 30 April 2026: 1. The train was expanded from 8 to 20 coaches. 2. The Jammu–Srinagar rail link was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 6 June 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Railway Minister said popularity since the PM's inauguration of the rail link on 6 June last year (2025) led to expansion from 8 to 20 coaches.
According to the Railway Minister on 30 April 2026, by how much have inward rail cement supplies reduced cement prices in the Kashmir Valley?
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Correct answer: D — ₹50 per bag
The Railway Minister said inward cement supplies by rail have reduced prices in the Kashmir Valley by ₹50 per bag.