Vande Bharat Train (file photo)

New Delhi: Passengers can travel in Vande Bharat trains from Jammu Tawi station to Srinagar from next month, with the railways starting the inaugural journey between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir on April 30. Currently, Vande Bharat trains to Srinagar originate from Katra station. To meet the increasing passenger demand, Railways will run two pairs of 20-coach Vande Bharat trains on this route. There are two pairs of eight-coach trains currently in operation. Officials said commercial operations of trains from Jammu to Srinagar will begin within a few days of the inauguration. With this extension, passengers can complete the journey between Jammu and Srinagar in less than five hours, which is much less than the time taken by road. An official said, “This extension will eliminate the problems faced by passengers traveling to Srinagar by rail. In most of the cases, people coming from other parts of the country used to go to Katra station after reaching Jammu Tawi to catch a train to Srinagar. Now they will be able to change trains at Jammu Tawi junction itself.” Officials said the train has been designed keeping in mind the challenging terrain and extreme cold conditions in the region. The trains will use winterization technology to ensure smooth operation even in sub-zero temperatures.