Indian Railways has officially announced the introduction of a third Vande Bharat Express train on the high-demand rail route connecting Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Udhampur. The decision to approve an additional high-speed service comes in response to sustained passenger demand along the Jammu to Srinagar railway corridor. Railway authorities highlighted that the two existing Vande Bharat trains on this line have been operating at full capacity ever since their launch. The new service aims to enhance connectivity, expand corridor capacity, and provide travelers with an extra premium transportation option between the two key destinations.
Launch Scheduled Around Navratri Festival
According to official details provided by Indian Railways, the new service is expected to begin operations next month, in September, coinciding closely with the festival of Navratri. The timing is strategically chosen because the number of pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra increases substantially during Navratri. Introducing the train around this festive period will address the seasonal rush while significantly increasing passenger capacity along the entire Jammu and Srinagar railway network.
Route Map and Key Stoppages
The third Vande Bharat Express will traverse a key route connecting Jammu Tawi to Srinagar with specific planned stops. After departing from Jammu Tawi station, the train will make a designated stoppage at Shahid Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station in Udhampur. From Udhampur, it will proceed to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station before continuing its journey directly to Srinagar. This routing ensures convenient access for both daily commuters and pilgrims heading to Vaishno Devi or traveling further into the Kashmir Valley.
Outward Journey Timings From Jammu Tawi
As per the operational schedule released by the railways, the train will begin its onward journey from Jammu Tawi at 10:30 AM. Continuing along the route, it will reach Udhampur station at 11:30 AM. Following its brief stop, the train will arrive at Katra at 12:10 PM. After departing Katra, it will complete the final leg of the journey and arrive at Srinagar by 3:10 PM.
Return Journey Timings From Srinagar
On the return journey, the train will depart from Srinagar railway station at 4:00 PM. Travelling back toward Jammu, it will arrive at Katra station at 6:55 PM. The train will then reach Udhampur at 7:30 PM, before completing its trip at Jammu Tawi station at 8:40 PM. This schedule provides passengers with a convenient afternoon departure from the Kashmir Valley and an evening arrival in Jammu.
Expected Fare Structure and Ticket Categories
The fare for the upcoming train is anticipated to stay within the existing pricing range of Rs 855 to Rs 1780 charged on the route. For reference, train number 26401 charges Rs 855 for AC Chair Car seats and Rs 1585 for Executive Class accommodation. Meanwhile, train number 26403 sets the AC Chair Car fare at Rs 1020 and the Executive Class ticket at Rs 1780. The third Vande Bharat Express is expected to follow this established pricing model closely across both travel classes.
