Connecting Vande Bharat Express Service From Ludhiana To Srinagar Via Jammu Begins, Train Will Run From 9:19 Am The Indian Railways has launched a new Vande Bharat Express service connecting Ludhiana to Srinagar via Jammu, marking a significant improvement for pilgrims traveling to the Amarnath Yatra. The service, which commenced on 1 July 2026, offers a direct rail link between Ludhiana and Srinagar, drastically reducing travel time and enhancing convenience for devotees. The first train of the day departs Ludhiana at 9:19 am, operating on a schedule that allows pilgrims to complete their journey with minimal disruption. This development comes as a relief to pilgrims, who previously faced arduous road journeys through rugged terrain. The new service replaces the earlier, less efficient road routes, which often required multiple transfers and long hours of travel. The Vande Bharat Express, a modern 20-coach train, now accommodates up to 1,450 passengers per trip, a substantial increase from the 500 passengers that could be carried in the previous 8-coach train. This expansion ensures that more devotees can travel comfortably and safely, avoiding the overcrowding and delays that plagued earlier services. The cost-effectiveness of the rail journey is another major advantage. During peak pilgrimage seasons, air travel for the Amarnath Yatra typically ranged from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000, while the new rail service offers tickets at a fraction of that cost, with fares under ₹2,500. Additionally, the train route eliminates the need for expensive private car travel, which involves high fuel costs, toll taxes, and the physical strain of navigating mountainous roads. The rail journey also saves significant time, reducing the travel duration from Jammu to Srinagar from 7–8 hours by road to just 5 hours by train.#srinagar #indian_railways #ludhiana #vande_bharat_express #amarnath_yatra
