The proposed launch of the Vande Bharat Express service between Srinagar and Jammu, scheduled for March 1, has been put on hold due to “unavoidable circumstances,” railway officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials from Indian Railways, the decision was taken by the Railway Board until further notice. A senior railway officer confirmed that the notification programme for the extension of the train service has been temporarily suspended.
Earlier in the day, Northern Railway had announced that the much-awaited train service connecting Srinagar with Jammu would begin operations on March 1. The plan was seen as a major step toward strengthening rail connectivity within Jammu and Kashmir and easing travel between the region’s two capitals.
The extension of the Vande Bharat service was expected to expand the existing rail link between Srinagar and Katra to Jammu. The Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat service had earlier been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year.
Railway authorities had also announced that the number of coaches on the train would be increased to 20 from the current eight between Katra and Srinagar. The move was intended to accommodate growing passenger demand and improve travel capacity on the popular route.
The Katra–Srinagar railway service has quickly emerged as a preferred mode of transport for people travelling within Jammu and Kashmir. However, limited coaches and train frequency have often led to overcrowding, prompting authorities to consider expanding the service.
Extending the train service to Jammu was widely welcomed as a significant milestone because it would connect both major cities of the Union Territory through a modern rail network. Officials believe the project would make travel easier for residents, tourists and business travellers while boosting economic activity in the region.
Despite the planned extension, passengers travelling between Kashmir and other parts of the country still need to change trains at Katra. Direct rail connectivity between Kashmir and major cities like Delhi remains under development.
Even with the current limitations, the proposed extension of the Vande Bharat service to Jammu is considered an important step toward achieving seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. Officials said further updates regarding the launch will be announced once the Railway Board issues fresh instructions.
