Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Serves 45,000 Passengers in Debut 10 Days
It has been a whirlwind opening for the new Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. In just its first ten days on the tracks from May 2 to May 11 2026, the service has already become a fixture in the region, carrying 44,727 passengers. To put that into perspective, over 28,000 people hopped on board during the maiden week alone.
Record Demand Prompts Upgrades
It is clear the region was ready for this link. The demand has been intense, with four daily services running across two pairs (Train Nos. 26401/26402 and 26403/26404) often reaching capacity. On May 10, the occupancy rate hit a near-perfect 98.21%. Seeing that surge, railway authorities acted quickly, bumping the train from an 8-coach configuration to a 20-coach setup to keep up with the crowds.
An All-Weather Mountain Lifeline
For locals, pilgrims, and traders, this train is a genuine lifeline. The Jammu-Srinagar highway is known for being shut down by heavy snow or landslides, but the Vande Bharat is built for the terrain. Rated to handle temperatures down to –20°C, it remains dependable when roads are blocked.
The journey itself is a spectacle. Passengers are treated to views of the massive Chenab and Anji bridges and a series of Himalayan tunnels. Completing the trip in under five hours, at a cost significantly lower than a taxi or a last-minute flight is fundamentally changing travel in the valley.
Expanding Reach to Anantnag
With the summer tourism season in full swing, the timing could not be better. The Vande Bharat is more than just a transit service; it is becoming the backbone of Kashmir’s infrastructure. By offering a high-speed, affordable alternative to private transport, it is easing the daily commute for students and pilgrims while boosting tourism. As the service matures, it is proving that when you combine modern comfort with true reliability, people will show up in record numbers. The Vande Bharat is not merely a train; it is a vital connector that is actively reshaping the economic and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
