Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Indian Railways has approved a third Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar. The new service will operate via Udhampur to fulfill long-standing commuter demands. The Railway Ministry assigned train numbers 26407 and 26408 for this upcoming service. This step expands modern rail connectivity across key cities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The train includes an official stop at Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur railway station. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh secured approval from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Two Vande Bharat trains currently provide four daily trips on this mountain corridor. The new addition increases seat availability and offers travelers flexible morning and evening departure times.
Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Timings and Ticket Details
Proposed schedules suggest a late-morning departure from Jammu Tawi at 10:30 AM. The train arrives in Udhampur at 11:30 AM before reaching Srinagar by 3:10 PM. The return run departs Srinagar at 4:00 PM and reaches Jammu Tawi at 8:40 PM. Officials plan to launch operations in September 2026 to manage the festive Navratri rush.
| Route Direction | Expected Timings | Indicative Fare Range |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu Tawi to Srinagar | 10:30 AM to 3:10 PM | ₹715 (CC) / ₹1,320 (EC) |
| Srinagar to Jammu Tawi | 4:00 PM to 8:40 PM | ₹715 (CC) / ₹1,320 (EC) |
Boost for Kashmir Tourism and Regional Commuters
The new Udhampur halt directly benefits military cantonment families, local commuters, and regional business travelers. Tourists heading toward Katra can easily transition to pilgrimage sites like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Furthermore, all-weather rail transit bypasses frequent highway blockages along National Highway 44. This ensures dependable travel during unpredictable winter weather conditions across mountain passes.
Travelers can check verified schedules on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website. Northern Railway will publish official booking dates following mandatory trial runs and track clearances. Tickets will open under the standard 60-day advance booking window on official platforms. This third express service transforms connectivity across Jammu, Udhampur, and the Kashmir valley.