Tue Feb 24 18:16:18 UTC 2026: # Vande Bharat Express Extension to Jammu Put on Hold Hours After Announcement

The Story:

Just hours after Northern Railways announced the extension of the Vande Bharat Express service from Srinagar to Jammu, scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, the Railway Board abruptly put the decision on hold. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal cited “unavoidable circumstances” and expressed regret for the inconvenience. The extension aimed to provide direct connectivity between the twin capital cities of Jammu & Kashmir following the inauguration of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on June 6, 2026, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Points:

  • The Vande Bharat Express extension from Srinagar to Jammu, initially slated for March 1, 2026, has been postponed.
  • The announcement of the extension was made by Northern Railways earlier on February 24, 2026, only to be retracted later that same day.
  • The reason for the postponement is cited as “unavoidable circumstances” by the Railway Board.
  • The Vande Bharat Express currently operates between Srinagar and Katra with an eight-car rake. The proposed extension would involve upgraded 20-car coaches running between Jammu and Srinagar.
  • The service was launched after the inauguration of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on June 6, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The sudden reversal indicates potential logistical or operational challenges in extending the Vande Bharat Express service.
  • The lack of specific details regarding the “unavoidable circumstances” raises questions about the preparedness and planning involved in the extension project.
  • The incident highlights the complexities of expanding railway services in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

Impact Analysis:

The postponement of the Vande Bharat Express extension will likely cause disappointment among travelers anticipating direct rail connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu. This could also impact tourism and economic activity in the region, as the Vande Bharat Express is considered a premium service. The incident may also lead to increased scrutiny of railway infrastructure development projects in the region and their implementation timelines. Future rail projects will need to demonstrate robust planning and execution to avoid similar disruptions and maintain public confidence.

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