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Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Train: A Boon for Pilgrims and Locals

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service was launched, providing direct connectivity between the two cities. Locals hailed the service as a boon for students and tourists, offering an alternative to congested highway travel. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train, with regular services starting May 2. Enhanced security measures, including 2000 cameras and drone surveillance, ensure a safe corridor.

Key Points: Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Train Launched

  • Direct Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar flagged off
  • Locals praise relief from National Highway traffic
  • Service to benefit students, tourists, and pilgrims
  • Enhanced security with 2000 cameras and drone surveillance
2 min read

"Pilgrims, tourists to get seamless connectivity", Locals hail launch of Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train

Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar launched. Locals hail connectivity boost for pilgrims, students, and tourists, ending highway traffic woes.

"The launch of this train is a very good decision. It will also benefit tourism. - Passenger to IANS"

Srinagar, April 30

Hundreds of local residents expressed gratitude to the government for the launch of a direct Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar. Describing the advantages, people said they would now be able to escape the traffic on the National Highway and that the service would especially benefit students and tourists.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train service on Thursday, while regular services for the public to commence from May 2.

A passenger who was to travel on the Vande Bharat train, said that the Srinagar-Katra service is already benefitting students and locals as the land route remains closed due to traffic and flights tickets are costly.

"The launch of this train is a very good decision. It will also benefit tourism," he told IANS.

Another passenger added, "The situation in the region has also started becoming better. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the LG and the Chief Minister for such a decision."

He was optimistic that the train service will prove to be a boon as the National Highway used to be blocked with traffic.

"Earlier we used to be stuck on the National Highway throughout the night. Tourism will also increase and our children will also greatly benefit," he said.

SSP GRP, Kashmir, Wasim Qadri mentioned that the earlier Vande Bharat train service between Srinagar to Katra has been extended with this.

Qadri emphasised that the security on the route is being enhanced.

"2000 security cameras are being used for surveillance throughout the route up till Jammu. Moreover, drone surveillance is also being used," he told reporters.

Apart from this, he said that security guards have been deployed at every 2 KM who, using the watch towers, will be covering surveillance throughout the track.

"To an extent we have made this a secure corridor," he added.

About the flagging off ceremony, Kapil Sharma, Chief Area Manager Kashmir Northern Railway, said, "The main inauguration function is being held in Jammu by our Minister. There isn't a separate function here, but today our train will also depart from Srinagar to Jammu. So, this is a very joyful day for all Kashmiris and for people across India."

"The capacity is also more in this train. It is a great development for people across sectors. The train is comfortable as well as economical," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

N
Neha E
I'm a student in Jammu, and my family is in Srinagar. The flights cost 6-7k one way, and the bus takes all day. This train at ₹800-1500 is affordable and fast. Thank you to the Railway Minister and the local administration. Hope they run more trains soon!
D
Deepak U
Great initiative, but let's also talk about the security setup. 2000 cameras and drone surveillance? That's impressive. This corridor needs to be safe for everyone. With the security guards every 2 km, it's like a fortress on rails. But I hope the focus on tourism doesn't mean ignoring local needs for daily commuting.
S
Shweta Y
I'm a travel blogger, and this is huge for tourism. Kashmir is heaven on earth, but getting there was always a headache. Now with Vande Bharat, tourists can go from Jammu to Srinagar comfortably. The capacity is more too, so hopefully, it won't be fully booked during peak season. Just hope they keep the AC temperature pleasant! 😄
A
Arun Y
Good news, but I hope the local residents are given priority in booking. Sometimes these special trains are snapped up by tourists and VIPs. The locals have suffered enough with the highway issues. The train should have a quota for Kashmiri residents for daily travel. Also, I'm glad to see the situation in the region improving. The LG and CM deserve credit for this.
R
Ramesh W
This is progress! As someone who has done the Srinagar-Jammu road trip many times, I know the pain of being stuck in traffic for hours. The Vande Bharat is a lifeline

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