Kashmir, August 21,2026- Vande Bharat Express Udhampur: The Railway Ministry has approved a new stop for the Vande Bharat Express at Udhampur, fulfilling a long-pending demand for improved rail connectivity in the region. In a win for regional connectivity, the Railway Ministry has given approval for a third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, with Udhampur added as a stop. This was a long-standing wish of local residents that has finally come true.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, shared the news on social media. He posted a message from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirming the approval. The third and new Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, with Udhampur as a stop, is being planned following the Railway Ministry’s approval.
A Long-Awaited Demand Fulfilled
Because of demand from locals and a request from Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Railway Ministry has agreed to make Udhampur a stop for the third and new Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar. Singh called it “good news for Udhampur,” which is part of his constituency. He said the decision shows the government is listening to what the region wants.
Train Details
The new service will run as Train Numbers 26407/26408 Jammu Tawi-Srinagar-Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat Express. The train will pass through Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur station, further strengthening rail connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
With this addition, there will now be three Vande Bharat trains between Jammu and Srinagar, up from two. Both existing Vande Bharat trains started on June 6, 2025, initially running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. They were later extended to Jammu Tawi from April 30, 2026. They currently offer four services, running as Train Numbers 26401/26402 and 26404/26403.
Strong Demand Driving Expansion
The new train is being introduced because of strong demand for Vande Bharat services between Jammu and Srinagar. The Railways say the two current trains have been running at full occupancy. In fact, the Railways had already increased the number of coaches per train from 16 to 20 to meet demand.
The current Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat service has four stops along the way: Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal. The route covers 269 kilometers and takes 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Part of a Larger Connectivity Push
The news about the Udhampur stop comes shortly after another milestone on the route. The Vande Bharat recently made a run at nearly 100 kmph across the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. This followed the Railways’ approval to raise speeds on the 111-km broad-gauge section between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal to 100 kmph — up from the earlier limits of 85 kmph on the Katra-Sangaldan section and 75 kmph on the Sangaldan-Banihal section. The increase was approved after the Railways confirmed all safety requirements were met.
Together, these developments mark a significant step forward for rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, making travel easier for pilgrims, tourists, and residents, while further integrating the region into the high-speed rail network.
