Direct train between Delhi, Srinagar likely by year-end, goods trains to start from September: Ravneet Bittu

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Speaking to The Tribune during his visit to Srinagar for the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service between Srinagar and Katra, Bittu stated that several trains will be introduced on the route over time.

The Minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir—his first since Operation Sindhoor—will help boost tourism in the Union Territory, which has seen a decline following the Pahalgam attack in April.

Responding to a question about when direct train services between Srinagar and Delhi will begin, Bittu said, “It will be operational by the end of this year.”

Currently, Vande Bharat trains are scheduled to run between Katra and Srinagar. Bittu also announced that from September onwards, goods trains will begin operating from Srinagar, connecting directly to the national capital.

“The timely transport of perishable goods—be it vegetables or fruits—will be ensured. These goods will go straight from Kashmir to the Delhi mandis,” he said.

He further revealed that the Railways is planning to introduce specialised containers to cater to the needs of farmers and traders in the Valley. “If someone requires cold storage facilities for items like milk, flowers or fruits, such containers will be made available based on the demand,” he added.

According to the Minister, train coaches operating in Kashmir have been specially designed to withstand the region’s harsh winter conditions. He said more trains will be introduced depending on the performance and challenges observed during the upcoming winter.

“We will have to wait for the winter season in December and January to assess the ground situation. With so many large bridges and tunnels on the route, we will better understand the practical aspects of train operations during that period,” he said.

Bittu emphasised that the extension of rail connectivity to Kashmir will be a major relief for locals who often face exorbitant airfares during national highway closures in winter. “It will be highly beneficial during those times,” he noted.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s visit, Bittu said it would send a strong message and help revive the region’s tourism. “The Prime Minister walking on the (Chenab) bridge—without a bulletproof vehicle—will certainly inspire confidence and contribute to boosting tourism, which has suffered in recent months,” he said.