Jammu, May 5:Indicative of its surging popularity, Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has recorded around 82 percent occupancy rate in its first four days of commercial operation, ferrying 16349 passengers between two capital cities of J&K.
Commercial operation of this premium direct railway service between Srinagar and Jammu commenced on May 2, 2026 – two days after the inaugural extended Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was flagged-off by the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30, 2026 from Jammu Railway Station.
During the first two days of its regular run i.e., on May 2 and 3, around 9000 passengers completed to and fro journey between Jammu and Srinagar. Occupancy rate on day one and two (of commercial run) was 70 and 76 percent respectively.
According to railway officials, on May 4, 4680 passengers across the two pairs of Vande Bharat services between the two capital cities of J&K, registering an occupancy rate of 82 percent.
On May 5, 2026, the rate spiralled up to 96 percent. It is, however, notable that on Tuesdays only a single pair of Vande Bharat Express (train numbers 26404 and 26403) operates between Jammu and Srinagar. “2744 passengers travelled on day four of its commercial run i.e., May 5, 2026,” they stated.
Describing the surge in occupancy rate of Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train as a “matter of immense pride”, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Jammu Railway Division Uchit Singhal, maintained, “The operation of the Vande Bharat Express on this route symbolises the modern transformation of Indian Railways. The fact that occupancy levels have surged from 82 percent to 96 percent in just two days is a matter of immense pride for us. We are delighted that passengers are not only satisfied with the services but are also viewing this train as the most reliable option for their travel needs.”
“We are continuously analysing the feedback received from passengers to ensure that their journey becomes even more memorable. In the coming times, as the tourism season gains momentum, we anticipate that this train will operate at 100 percent occupancy,” he stated.
Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division, Raghvender Singh said that the ‘Vande Bharat Express’ continued to be a major attraction among passengers—not only for its speed but also for its premium services.
“This semi-high-speed train, a symbol of modern India, recording a tremendous surge in its daily passenger volume within just four days of its operation, has instilled unwavering confidence among travellers. Surge clearly demonstrates that pilgrims and tourists are now prioritising the modern travel experience offered by the Vande Bharat Express over traditional trains,” he said.
Officials shared that during their journey, passengers were expressing their delight regarding the train’s state-of-the-art amenities.
“In their feedback, passengers lauded the train’s smooth and jerk-free ride, even while navigating through winding tracks. They also praised the quality of the pure and nutritious food being served on the Vande Bharat Express,” they said, adding that the officials from the Jammu Railway Division were conducting continuous inspections on board to ensure that passengers experienced no deficiencies whatsoever in the amenities provided.
