If you are planning a visit to Mata Vaishno Devi or a trip to Srinagar, this news is for you. Indian Railways has launched new train services to further strengthen rail connectivity in the Jammu division. This provides travelers, pilgrims, and tourists with more travel options than before. Notably, this expansion includes high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express, making travel faster and more convenient.

**4 Pairs of New Train Services Launched in 2025-26**
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that four pairs of new train services were introduced in the Jammu division during the 2025-26 period. These trains were launched between June 2025 and March 2026 to meet the growing needs of passengers traveling to and from Jammu & Kashmir.

**Direct Benefits for Passengers**
The new train services include two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains: the Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express and the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express.

Additionally, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Budgam Express has been introduced on this route. These trains have made travel between Jammu, Katra, Srinagar, and surrounding areas much easier and more convenient.

**Over 170 Trains Operational; Connectivity Strengthened**
With the introduction of these new trains, more than 170 trains are now operating in the Jammu division. This has further strengthened rail connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country. The Railways states that these services will benefit not only local residents but also travelers visiting for religious pilgrimages, tourism, and other purposes.

**Train Services Available at Key Stations**
The number of train services at major railway stations in the Jammu division has also increased significantly.
Currently, 114 train services are available at the Jammu Tawi railway station.
46 train services are operating from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station. Currently, 19 train services are operational at the Budgam railway station.
These stations provide passengers with improved rail connectivity both within Jammu & Kashmir and to several major cities across the country.

The Jammu Division is the 70th railway division of Indian Railways, established in January 2025. Since its inception, the railways have continuously introduced new train services. The introduction of advanced trains, such as the Vande Bharat Express, has particularly strengthened the region's rail network, making travel faster, more comfortable, and more convenient for passengers than ever before.

**Significant benefits for pilgrims, tourists, and locals**
In a statement made in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the new train services were launched to cater to the needs of passengers traveling from stations such as Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Udhampur, Banihal, Srinagar, and Budgam. The introduction of these trains will provide superior rail facilities for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, tourists visiting Kashmir, and local commuters. Furthermore, connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the country will be significantly strengthened.

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