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Jammu Kashmir : The Ministry of Railways has officially approved an experimental stoppage for the Jammu Tawi Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag railway station.
According to a directive issued by the Railway Board, train numbers 26401/26402 will include this halt starting from a soon to be announced date, subject to mandatory security clearance.
The Board has directed Northern Railway to closely track ticket sales at the station for future assessment, ensure broad publicity and guarantee full compliance with the order.
The move is anticipated to greatly benefit south Kashmir travelers by offering them seamless direct rail connectivity to both Jammu and Srinagar through this premium semi high speed service.
Local residents and trade bodies have long demanded a stop at Anantnag, citing the town’s strategic location as a gateway to several tourist destinations and its growing commercial importance.
The experimental halt if successful is likely to become permanent potentially boosting economic activity and easing daily commutes for thousands of passengers who previously had to rely on road transport or change trains at intervening stations.
Railway officials are optimistic that the trial period will provide clear data on ridership and operational feasibility paving the way for similar stops at other key stations in the valley.
Report By – Mudasir Maqbool
