A new chapter has been added to the rail history of Jammu and Kashmir. The Vande Bharat Express, running between Katra and Srinagar, has achieved significant success in the past six months, transporting nearly 3.75 lakh passengers. This figure reflects the rapid development and growing passenger confidence of the Jammu Railway Division in its first year.
Upright Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Railway Division, stated that the Vande Bharat Express was launched following the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on June 6.
With this, the Kashmir Valley received uninterrupted all-weather rail connectivity with the rest of the country for the first time. He said that despite initial challenges, the division has made significant progress in passenger amenities, freight traffic, and revenue.
The Jammu Railway Division has also established a strong presence on the freight transportation front. More than 1.5 lakh tons of cement, food grains, and other materials were transported from the Anantnag goods shed. Under the Apple Transportation Scheme, over 20,000 tons of apples were shipped to various parts of the country. Furthermore, the rail movement of military tanks and artillery into the Valley for the first time is being seen as a major achievement.
To increase revenue, the Railways has introduced digital advertising, LED screens, and small commercial outlets at stations and in Vande Bharat trains. Ticket checking campaigns have also been intensified, during which over 63,000 ticketless passengers were caught and fines of Rs 3.72 crore were collected.
Railway officials say that the first year of the Jammu Railway Division not only marks rapid institutional growth but is also playing a key role in stimulating regional development and economic activity through improved rail services.
