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India’s Railway Ministry has cleared a new Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat with a confirmed Udhampur stop, answering a long-standing commuter ask. Existing daily services began on May 2, 2026, after the April 30 flag-off. They currently run via Katra, Reasi and Banihal in under five hours. Here are the route, expected timings, booking window, and next milestones.
Two Vande Bharat pairs already link Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. The morning 26401 leaves 6:20 am, reaching 11:10 am. The afternoon 26403 departs 1:20 pm, arriving 6:00 pm. The return runs at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm complete four daily services. Average journey time is about four hours fifty minutes across roughly 270 kilometres.
Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat route, stoppages, Udhampur stop
The corridor threads Jammu Tawi to Srinagar via Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal. The newly approved train will also halt at Udhampur, officially Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan station. “Good news for Udhampur! … the Railway Ministry has agreed to include Udhampur as a stopover,” Dr Jitendra Singh posted. Expect stronger access for cantonment families and daily commuters.
Jammu–Srinagar timings and launch window
Based on current paths, the third service is likely to plug the late‑morning Jammu departure and evening Srinagar return gap. The exact timetable will follow Northern Railway’s zonal schedule. Watch its official handle for the drop. Once loaded on PRS/IRCTC, bookings open under the present 60‑day Advance Reservation Period.
Fares, booking start, and interchange tips
Current Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat fares guide expectations. AC Chair Car ranges around ₹665–₹730; Executive Chair Car sits near ₹1,280–₹1,340. One morning run lists ₹715 and ₹1,320 respectively. Jammu Tawi sees heavy long‑distance connectivity for through tickets. Srinagar’s last‑mile is easy via JKRTC buses and prepaid cabs; intercity buses cost about ₹675.
What to track next: rake allocation, crew links, maintenance slots, and any proving runs before commercial roll‑out. The formal start date and final timings will be notified by Northern Railway and PIB J&K. With the Udhampur halt secured, commuters gain a no‑change option that should smooth Kashmir valley travel this season.