Jammu Directly Linked with Kashmir via Passenger Train for the First Time

For decades, the idea of stepping onto a train in Jammu and arriving directly in Srinagar belonged to the realm of ambition rather than reality. That ambition became history today. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the extended Srinagar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express service up to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, directly linking Jammu and Kashmir by passenger train for the very first time. A single seamless rail corridor now connects two of the region’s most iconic destinations, promising not just faster journeys but a transformation in how people, commerce, and tourism flow across this breathtaking landscape.

Jammu Tawi stands as one of the most important railway stations in northern India, serving as a crucial gateway that connects the Union Territory with the rest of the country. With extensive rail links to major destinations such as Kanyakumari, Howrah, Mumbai and other metropolitan hubs, the station plays a vital role in ensuring seamless mobility across regions.

Highlighting the significance of the development, Shri Vaishnaw during his address at the flagging-off event said that a major milestone has been achieved with the expansion of rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.(UPDATED ON 30TH APRIL 2026)