Jammu, Apr 30 (KNO): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The train, which earlier ran between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now operate up to Jammu Tawi.
After the flag-off, the minister inspected key structures of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), including the Anji and Chenab bridges. He was flanked by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and senior railway officials, and BJP leaders.
Speaking to reporters, Vaishnaw, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Vande Bharat service, launched last year after the inauguration of the Jammu–Srinagar rail line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now been upgraded from 8 to 20 coaches. “The service has been extended from Katra to Jammu to meet rising demand,” he said.
He said the trains have witnessed 100 per cent occupancy since launch, with over 5.5 lakh passengers already travelling on the route.
Vaishnaw said improved rail connectivity has boosted freight movement and reduced logistics costs. “Cement prices have dropped by around Rs 50 per bag. Over 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported to Delhi, and movement of perishables like cherries will become easier,” he said, adding that essential goods such as milk and salt are now being transported efficiently by rail.
He said train services remained operational even during heavy snowfall and landslides, reflecting system reliability. The trains are equipped with advanced electronics suited for high-altitude and extreme winter conditions, including temperatures up to minus 10°C.
The Railway Minister said efforts are underway to further enhance capacity through automatic signalling and additional crossing stations. He added that a proposal to extend the rail line from Baramulla to Uri is under consideration, while survey and design work is in progress for connectivity to Rajouri and Poonch.
“The next focus is doubling the Qazigund–Srinagar stretch to allow more trains on the route,” he said, adding that modern railway technologies on par with European standards are being implemented in J&K.
Vaishnaw further said that Jammu railway station is being developed into a modern facility, with multiple stations across the Union Territory undergoing upgrades.
On the occasion, CM Omar Abdullah said the increase from 8 to 20 coaches will enable nearly 1,400 passengers to travel per trip, terming it a major boost to connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
He said Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Railway Protection Force, said CORAS commandos have been deployed to secure Vande Bharat trains on the Katra–Srinagar route.
“We have implemented a ‘one plus twenty’ guard system led by an inspector, with RPF commandos ensuring security along the route,” Omar said.
SSP Railways J&K Waseem Qadri said comprehensive security arrangements are in place, with around 3,000 CCTV cameras monitoring the track and guard rooms established along the route.
“Drone surveillance and peripheral guarding have been deployed across all stations. Passengers, including tourists, need not worry as robust security measures are in place,” he said, adding that the system will be strengthened further.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir has urged Ashwini Vaishnaw to consider introducing a halt for the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag Railway Station.
Mir said Anantnag serves as a major commercial and tourism hub of South Kashmir, catering to a vast population across several districts. The absence of a scheduled stop, he said, is causing inconvenience to passengers, including students, traders, patients, and tourists.
"A halt at Anantnag would improve regional connectivity, promote tourism, ease congestion at nearby stations, and support local economic growth," Mir, an MLA from Dooru, said. He expressed hope that the Railway Ministry will give due consideration to this genuine public demand in the larger interest of the people—(KNO)