Jammu and Kashmir: Nearly 45,000 passengers traveled in the first 10 days of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

In the first ten days of the launch of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service, nearly 45,000 passengers have traveled.
A government spokesperson said today that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link on June 6, 2025, it was a moment that turned a dream into reality. The spokesperson said, "On April 30, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express consisting of 20 coaches, and within just 10 days (from May 2) of the regular service starting, the four train services have carried a total of 44,727 passengers in both directions, making it the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir. In its very first week, these train services carried 28,762 passengers."
He informed that two pairs of Vande Bharat services are currently operating on this route. One is from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar and back, which runs six days a week, except on Tuesdays, while the second service runs every day except on Wednesdays. He further said, "Through these services, at least four train services are available daily on the Jammu-Kashmir route. Even on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, two trains run continuously on this busy route, providing convenience to locals, tourists, pilgrims, and traders."
According to the spokesperson, on this 266-kilometer-long route, two pairs of Vande Bharat services are now available, providing passengers on both ends with at least one, and on most days, two daily options. He said that on the days when both pairs of services ran, the number of passengers remained consistently close to full capacity. On May 3, 4,977, on May 8, 4,955, on May 9, 5,284, on May 10, 5,657, and on May 11, 5,024 passengers traveled. He said that the first train, which used to get fully booked with eight coaches, is now almost fully booked even with 20 coaches, indicating how much the demand for travel on this route has increased. He informed that on the days when only one pair of services was run, the seats were filled to 95.03 percent on May 5 and 94.79 percent on May 6.
The spokesperson said, "The highest increase in demand was seen during the weekend holidays, where around 11,000 passengers traveled on just Saturday and Sunday." He said that on Sunday (May 10), 98.21 percent of the train's capacity was utilized, showcasing the tourist potential of this route. He said, "Pilgrims, students, government officials, and traders are now traveling between Jammu and Srinagar without any hindrance for the first time." He further said that tourists who earlier found traveling to the Kashmir Valley difficult are now enjoying the comfortable seats of Vande Bharat while passing through engineering marvels like the Chenab and Anji bridges.
The spokesperson said that the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat not only connects two cities but also provides an experience of one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world. "From the rugged terrain of Jammu to the breathtaking bridges like Chenab and Anji, the tunnels carved through the Himalayan rocks, and the bright valleys of Kashmir, every kilometer of this journey is an experience in itself."
He said, "Tourists can now board from Jammu Tawi and reach Srinagar in less than five hours, which is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than all other alternative modes. An increase in the number of passengers is expected in the upcoming tourist season, and Indian Railways is fully prepared to meet this demand."