Indian Railways has announced that the **Vande Bharat Express will start direct services on the Jammu–Srinagar route from 1 March 2026, marking a major improvement in connectivity for the region. The train will operate with halts at seven stations between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, cutting travel time to under 5 hours and offering a faster, safer alternative to road travel. To meet passenger demand, the rake has been upgraded from an 8-coach to a 20-coach configuration. This extension is expected to boost tourism, trade, and easier year-round travel between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.