Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Gets Third Train: Route, Stops & Latest Update

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Indian Railways is set to expand services on the Jammu-Srinagar corridor with a third Vande Bharat Express, offering passengers another fast and modern travel option between Jammu and Kashmir.

The new service has been approved to operate between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Udhampur, with Udhampur being included as a stop on the new service. The development comes amid strong demand for Vande Bharat trains connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley.

Third Vande Bharat Train Approved for Jammu-Srinagar Route

The Railway Ministry has approved a third Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. The new service will operate as Train No. 26407/26408 and will travel via Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur.

The announcement was shared by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on August 20, 2026, following approval from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The additional service is expected to improve connectivity and provide more travel options for passengers travelling between Jammu and Srinagar.
Also Read : Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch January 2026: Route, Fare, Features & Booking Guide

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Route

The existing Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat services cover approximately 269 km and take around 4 hours 45 minutes. The route passes through the dramatic Himalayan landscape and some of the most significant railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

The new Vande Bharat will follow the Jammu-Srinagar corridor with Udhampur included as a stop.

Expected Route and Major Stops

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat corridor includes:

• Jammu Tawi

• Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur

• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra

• Reasi

• Banihal

• Srinagar

The four existing en-route stoppages are Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal. The third service specifically adds Udhampur as a stop, responding to demand from the local population.

What Is the Timetable of the Third Vande Bharat?

While the train numbers 26407/26408 and Udhampur stop have been announced, the detailed operating timetable and service schedule for the third Vande Bharat should be confirmed through official railway announcements before passengers make travel plans.

This is important because timings and operational details can change before a new service begins.

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Already Has Two Services

The Jammu-Srinagar corridor currently has two Vande Bharat train pairs, operating four services between Jammu and Srinagar.

The trains were initially introduced between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar on June 6, 2025. From April 30, 2026, the services were extended to Jammu Tawi, providing a direct passenger rail connection between Jammu and Srinagar.

The existing services operate as 26401/26402 and 26404/26403.

Vande Bharat Capacity Increased to 20 Coaches

The growing popularity of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat has already led Indian Railways to increase the train's capacity.

In April 2026, the service was expanded from 8 coaches to 20 coaches and extended from Katra to Jammu Tawi. The Railway Ministry said the expansion was intended to meet rising passenger demand.

The services have seen strong passenger demand since their introduction, with the Railways reporting high occupancy from the beginning of operations.

A Scenic Journey Through the Himalayas

One of the biggest attractions of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat route is the journey itself.

The train travels through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), crossing tunnels, bridges and spectacular Himalayan terrain. Among the most iconic structures along the corridor is the Chenab Rail Bridge, one of the world's most remarkable railway engineering projects.

The route also features the Anji Khad Bridge, another major engineering landmark on the USBRL corridor. Railway authorities have highlighted the importance of the corridor in strengthening all-weather connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.

Why the Third Vande Bharat Is Important

The introduction of another Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat could benefit several categories of travellers.

More Travel Options

An additional service can provide passengers with greater flexibility when planning journeys between Jammu and Srinagar.

Better Connectivity for Udhampur

The inclusion of Udhampur as a stop is particularly significant for residents and travellers from the area, giving them direct access to the Vande Bharat service.

Boost to Kashmir Tourism

Improved rail connectivity can make Kashmir more accessible to domestic tourists, particularly during busy travel seasons.

Easier Pilgrimage Travel

The route also serves Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, making the service useful for pilgrims travelling between Jammu, Katra and the Kashmir Valley.

Stronger Regional Connectivity

The Jammu-Srinagar railway corridor is expected to support tourism, local businesses and the movement of people and goods across Jammu and Kashmir. The Railway Ministry has described improved rail connectivity as an important contributor to tourism and regional economic activity.

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat: What Travellers Should Know

For travellers planning to use the new service, the key confirmed details are:

The exact timetable and operational details for the third service should be checked once officially released.

A New Chapter for Kashmir Rail Travel

The third Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat service marks another step in the rapid transformation of rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

From the extension of Vande Bharat services to Jammu Tawi to the increase to 20 coaches and now the approval of a third train via Udhampur, the corridor is steadily expanding to meet growing demand.

For travellers, the combination of faster connectivity, modern train facilities and spectacular Himalayan scenery makes the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express one of India's most exciting rail journeys.

As the third service gets closer to operation, passengers can expect further updates on its timings, frequency, fare and booking availability.