Jammu, Apr 30: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Katra, announcing plans to enhance capacity on the Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor through track doubling to allow more train operations.
He said strengthening maintenance practices remains central to safety and security, while the next priority is doubling the Qazigund-Arinagar section to increase traffic on the line. Highlighting the rail link’s growing utility, Vaishnaw noted that cargo movement has surged, with around 2 crore kilograms of apples transported from Kashmir to Delhi and multiple coaches booked for cherry consignments.
The minister said the Vande Bharat service on the Jammu-Katra-Srinagar route has been a major success, recording full occupancy and high passenger demand. He added that the train is equipped with advanced technology to operate in extreme cold, including sub-zero temperatures, and features upgraded systems with thousands of microchips to ensure reliability.
Referring to infrastructure milestones, Vaishnaw credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating key projects such as the Katra-Srinagar rail stretch, the Anji Khad bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the expanded 20-coach train can now carry around 1,400 passengers, significantly improving connectivity and facilitating the transport of goods such as cement, vehicles, and fruit. He also pitched for a dry port and customs clearance facilities within the Union Territory to boost exports.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the long-pending rail link to the Kashmir Valley was completed under Modi’s leadership, recalling that while Jammu was connected by rail in 1972 and Katra in 2014, progress beyond had stalled until recent years.
The train, which earlier operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run up to Jammu Tawi, directly linking the region’s largest railway hub. Initially launched with eight coaches in June 2025, the service has seen overwhelming demand, prompting authorities to expand it to 20 coaches, more than doubling seating capacity and easing waitlists, especially during peak travel seasons. (Agencies)
