New Delhi, Sep 3 (KNS): The Ministry of Railways has approved an experimental stoppage for the Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag station, a move that comes weeks after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on expanding rail connectivity in the Valley.
An official order issued by the Railway Board on Thursday accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) directed authorities to provide the halt for Train Nos 26401/26402 from an "early convenient date", subject to security clearance.
The directive, marked to the General Manager (Operating) of Northern Railway, also instructed field officials to monitor ticket sales at the station for review.
The development follows the extension of the service from Katra to Jammu Tawi in May, covering the 270-km stretch in under five hours.
Railway officials said the stoppage is aimed at catering to local demand and improving last-mile connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, which has witnessed a surge in tourist footfall in recent months.
The Vande Bharat Express, launched in April, was the first semi-high speed train to operate in the Union Territory. Its introduction had significantly reduced travel time between the winter and summer capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said the experimental stoppage would be reviewed based on patronage and operational feasibility before any decision on its permanency is taken. (KNS)
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