New Delhi: The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has carried nearly 45,000 passengers within the first 10 days of its regular operations, emerging as a major success on the newly operational rail corridor connecting Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official figures released on Tuesday, the four Vande Bharat train services operating on the route carried a total of 44,727 passengers up to May 11 after being regularised on May 2 this year.
Officials said the services had already recorded 28,762 passengers during the first week itself, reflecting high demand on the corridor from tourists, pilgrims, traders, students and local commuters.
The development follows the inauguration of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025.
Later, on April 30, 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the augmented 20-coach Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service.
Officials said two pairs of Vande Bharat trains are currently operating on the corridor. Train No. 26401 from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar and Train No. 26402 in the return direction run six days a week except Tuesdays, while Train No. 26403 and Train No. 26404 operate on all days except Wednesdays.
Together, the services provide four train operations daily on most days of the week and continue to maintain connectivity even on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with one operating pair.
According to the data, passenger demand remained close to full capacity on several days, with ridership figures touching 4,977 on May 3, 4,955 on May 8, 5,284 on May 9, 5,657 on May 10 and 5,024 on May 11.
Officials said occupancy levels crossed 98 percent on May 10, indicating strong public response and growing tourism potential on the route.
They added that the upgraded 20-coach service was still witnessing near-capacity occupancy, highlighting the increasing travel demand between Jammu and Srinagar.
The Vande Bharat train has also emerged as a preferred travel option due to reduced travel time, affordability and reliability compared to road and air travel.
Officials said the service allows passengers to travel between Jammu and Srinagar in less than five hours while offering an all-weather alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which frequently faces disruptions during snowfall and landslides.
The train route also passes through major engineering landmarks including the Chenab and Anji bridges, tunnels and mountain sections along the Himalayan terrain.
Officials further said the train has been designed to operate in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for harsh winter conditions in the region.
The launch of the service coincides with the peak summer tourism season in Kashmir, with authorities expecting passenger traffic to increase further in the coming months as tourists visit destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
