Arun Jasrotia
Jammu: TDD- The Indian Railways is all set to revolutionize travel to the Kashmir Valley as it prepares to inaugurate train services in the region by January. The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express will be the first train to ply on the newly constructed railway line, connecting Delhi directly to Srinagar.
In a significant development, the railways is also considering extending the routes of approximately 32 existing trains to Srinagar, further enhancing connectivity to the valley. These trains, which currently terminate at Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will be extended to provide direct services to Srinagar.
Some of the prominent trains that are likely to be extended include the 12425/26 New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Express, 16787/88 Tirunelveli-Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, 16317/18 Kanyakumari-Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, 19803/04 Kota-Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, 12331/32 Howrah-Jammu Tawi Express, 12445/46 New Delhi-Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, 16031/32 Chennai Central-Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, and 11449/50 Jabalpur-Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express.
The extension of these train services is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the Kashmir Valley. It will also provide convenient and affordable transportation options for the local population. The railways is working round the clock to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed before the commencement of train services.TDD
