New Delhi, 29 April (H.S.): Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi station Thursday, upgrading the service previously limited to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and now reaching J&K's largest city and rail hub directly.
Responding to surging demand, the train's capacity doubles from 8 to 20 coaches, easing waitlists and enhancing convenience. Post-flagoff, the minister will inspect USBRL project marvels: Anji Bridge and the world's highest Chenab Rail Bridge.
Regular services commence May 2 with two daily pairs covering ~266 km, offering morning and afternoon options. Vaishno Devi pilgrims, tourists, traders, and locals benefit most—no Katra changeovers required. Winter-ready for -20°C and operational when Jammu-Srinagar highway closes due to snow, it boosts tourism and trade in handicrafts, fruits via faster connectivity.
USBRL features 272 km track, 36 tunnels, 943 bridges—Chenab as global highest arch—marking key modernization milestone for J&K railways.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
