Srinagar, Jul 22 (KNO): Four pairs of new trains, including two pairs of Vande Bharat Express services, have been introduced in the newly created Jammu Division during 2025-26, benefiting passengers travelling to Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Budgam stations, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Jammu Division, the 70th division of Indian Railways, was created in January 2025. Since then, the Railways has introduced four new train pairs in the division.
The newly introduced services include: 14687/14688 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Budgam Express, operational from March 12, 2026; 26405/26406 Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express, operational from August 10, 2025; 26401/26402 Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, operational from June 7, 2025; and 26403/26404 Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, also operational from June 7, 2025.
The Centre further informed Parliament that Jammu Tawi railway station is presently served by 114 train services, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station by 46 train services, and Budgam railway station by 19 train services.
According to the reply, Budgam station is served by 19 local DMU and MEMU train services connecting Baramulla, Banihal, Budgam and Sangaldan, strengthening rail connectivity within the Kashmir Valley.
The ministry also said that the introduction of additional train services remains an ongoing process and depends on factors such as line capacity, availability of train paths, rolling stock, supporting infrastructure, track maintenance requirements, occupancy levels and traffic demand—(KNO)