- From Tourism to Defence Logistics, Vande Bharat Services Drive Rail-Led Growth in J&K
Jammu, Dec 31: The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir has rapidly emerged as a landmark success, with nearly 3.75 lakh passengers travelling on the premium trains within just six months of their launch. The figures underline a strong public response to modern rail connectivity in the region and mark a significant achievement for the newly formed Jammu Railway Division in its first operational year.
The Vande Bharat service connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar was flagged off on June 6 following the inauguration of the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The project has provided the Kashmir Valley with long-awaited all-weather rail connectivity to the rest of the country, overcoming decades of geographical and climatic challenges.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the division has recorded steady progress across passenger services, freight movement and revenue generation despite initial operational constraints. “Across two pairs of Vande Bharat trains operating between Katra and Srinagar, nearly 3.75 lakh passengers have already availed the service,” he said, adding that the response reflects growing public confidence in modern rail travel.
Formally notified from June 1 after its inauguration in January 2025, the Jammu Railway Division has simultaneously expanded its freight operations. New goods sheds have been commissioned, handling consignments ranging from military equipment to commercial cargo. Infrastructure development has also remained a priority, with the redevelopment of Baijnath Paprola station under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, commissioning of Reasi as a Vande Bharat stoppage, and the introduction of a Katra–Amritsar Vande Bharat service aimed at boosting religious tourism.
Officials said the Jammu–Pathankot–Punjab Rail Corridor Scheme, launched on September 15, has significantly strengthened horticulture logistics, enabling the movement of over 20,000 tonnes of apples. The Anantnag goods shed has emerged as a key cargo hub, handling more than 1.5 lakh tonnes of cement, automobile rakes, foodgrain consignments for the Food Corporation of India, and other commodities such as plastic crates, insulated panels and salt.
For the first time, military trains carrying tanks and artillery were inducted into the Valley, enhancing strategic and logistical mobility. The division also demonstrated operational resilience during emergencies by running special trains, augmenting coaches with round-the-clock monitoring after the Pahalgam attack, coordinating during Operation Sindoor, and operating a flood relief special train between Katra and Sangaldan following the August 26 floods.
Revenue growth was further supported through non-fare income initiatives, including digital and static advertising at stations, LED screens, branding inside Vande Bharat trains and commercial use of road-under-bridge spaces. Small kiosks and commercial outlets at stations have also generated local employment while improving passenger convenience.
Strict enforcement drives led to the detection of 63,000 cases of ticketless and irregular travel, generating approximately ₹3.72 crore, while fake tickets were seized during special checks. Ten railway employees were honoured with the PCCM Award on December 29 for exemplary service, including emergency assistance and reuniting missing passengers with their families.
New business initiatives included parcel packing facilities at Jammu Tawi and Pathankot Cantt, transportation of wildlife in coordination with the Wildlife Department, molasses traffic worth over ₹2.7 crore, inward maize rakes to Kathua, and the introduction of piecemeal paper traffic. Additionally, 15 rakes of cherries were transported from Jammu and Katra to Bandra during the May–June season.
Safety measures such as monthly safety bulletins, lead-wire-based parcel sealing to reduce fire risks, and enhanced crowd management during festivals and flight disruptions further strengthened operations.
Officials said the division’s first year reflects rapid institutional stabilisation, expanding services, rising revenue and a stronger emergency response system, positioning the Jammu Railway Division as a growing transport and logistics driver for the region.