By Admin 
A big step has been taken regarding rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. Direct Vande Bharat Express service is going to start between Srinagar and Jammu from March 1. Till now this train was running only between Katra and Srinagar, but now it is being extended till Jammu. In the coming time, there is a plan to extend this line further and connect it directly to New Delhi. With the launch of this new service, travel between Jammu region and Kashmir Valley will become much easier. At present, passengers traveling from Jammu had to first go separately to Katra and catch a train from there. But now it is believed that running the train directly from Jammu will save time and the journey will also become more convenient.
Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat will stop at seven stations
According to railway officials, Vande Bharat train running on Srinagar-Jammu route will stop at 7 stations. This will also directly benefit the passengers of the central areas. Keeping in view the increasing number of passengers, the rake structure of the train has also been changed. Earlier there was a plan of 8 coaches, now it has been increased to 20 coaches. Railways believes that the number of passengers on this route increases significantly during the tourist season and holidays, hence extra coaches were necessary.
Why was the service delayed?
Jammu-Srinagar service was earlier to be started, but it was postponed due to the ongoing construction and expansion work at Jammu Railway Station. At the same time, work was being done to improve the infrastructure at the station and handle the increasing passenger pressure. Now the construction work is almost complete and the preparation for operation is also in the final stage, hence this service can now be started from March 1.
Connectivity of the valley will get a boost
It is believed that with the start of this new service of this railway, the rail connectivity of Kashmir Valley will be strengthened. Better rail facilities are also expected to boost tourism, trade and local economic activities. At present, passengers catching the train from Jammu had to depend on alternative means of transport to reach Katra, after which they could travel by train. Once operational, this direct service is expected to reduce travel time and improve overall convenience.
Also read: Now forget IRCTC, from March 1, train tickets will be booked only through this app, know how it works?