Jammu-Srinagar Route Gets Third Vande Bharat Express Amid High Demand; Check Details
Indian Railways is launching a third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, featuring a new stopover at Udhampur following high passenger demand and full capacity on existing routes. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the development via social media, stating, "Good news for Udhampur".
Indian Railways is set to expand its connectivity in the northern region with the introduction of a third Vande Bharat Express train connecting Jammu and Srinagar. The decision follows consistently high passenger demand for existing services, which have been operating at full occupancy since their inception.
Udhampur Included as New Stopover
The upcoming service will include a stop at Udhampur, a move confirmed following requests from local representatives and the public. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the development via social media, stating, "Good news for Udhampur." Mega Boost to Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Vande Bharat Train Between Katra, Srinagar Begins Today; Slashes Travel Time to 3 Hours.
"In response to a popular public demand of the local population and an earnest request made by us, the Railway Ministry has agreed to include Udhampur as a stopover for the third and new Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The inclusion of Udhampur is expected to improve regional connectivity and enhance the convenience of rail travel for local commuters.
Good News for Udhampur, Says Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Good news for #Udhampur!
In response to a popular public demand of the local population and an earnest request made by us, the Railway Ministry has agreed to include Udhampur as a stopover for the third and new #VandeBharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar.
This is yet again… pic.twitter.com/QyDizFbxle
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 20, 2026
Background on Service Expansion
The Vande Bharat network between Jammu and Srinagar has seen significant growth since the initial launch of services on June 6, 2025. While operations originally ran between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, services were extended to Jammu Tawi railway station on April 30, 2026. According to Indian Railways, the popularity of these trains has necessitated capacity upgrades, with authorities increasing the number of coaches from 16 to 20 per train to accommodate more passengers. Jammu and Kashmir: NC President Farooq Abdullah Takes Train Ride in Newly Inaugurated Vande Bharat Express, Says ‘Will Boost Tourism’ (Watch Video).
Current Route and Operational Efficiency
The existing Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat service covers a 269-km distance in approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. The route currently includes four intermediate stops: Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal. The introduction of the third train is part of a broader expansion of the Vande Bharat network, which also includes upcoming high-profile projects such as the anticipated Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper service. Official details regarding the final schedule and complete list of halts for the new Jammu-Srinagar train are expected to be released by the Railway Ministry in the coming weeks.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 01:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
