A Vande Bharat Traveling Ticket Examiner was suspended after a viral video showed him allegedly offering an unofficial discounted ticket to a passenger. Reports say he negotiated Rs 380, then raised it to Rs 750 when a receipt was asked for. Railways clarified that rules allow action for un-ticketed travel, not for unofficial payments arranged without receipts.
The first Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express starts today, with a direct journey taking about five hours—an order-of-magnitude improvement for travellers across difficult terrain. Operating with 20 coaches, it will run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Fares are set between Rs 715 and Rs 1,515, aiming for dependable, all-weather connectivity.
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Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the first direct Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar. The 20-coach train links the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to reduce travel time and give a tourism boost. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously inaugurated the Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat in June 2025, and the new direct service is set to begin on May 2.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on Tuesday flagged off the first direct Vande Bharat Express between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, a key step in integrating the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link. Officials say the train offers a safer all-weather alternative to the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, known for frequent landslides, and will cut travel friction for commuters.
A coach of the Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat Express derailed at a diamond crossing while entering Pune railway station on Monday evening. Officials confirmed no casualties or injuries, and passengers were shifted to another rake. The train was temporarily halted as investigators probe the cause of the derailment, despite panic among riders at the time.
Indian Railways has announced a permanent upgrade of the 42nd Vande Bharat Express (22961/22962) to a 20-coach configuration. From April 28, 2026, the Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central service will run in the expanded setup, giving passengers more capacity alongside premium travel benefits. Officials say the change is now set for the long term rather than a temporary trial.
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Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat will be extended to Jammu Tawi from April 30. The service will also add a major capacity boost, with coaches rising from 8 to 20. Officials say winterisation upgrades will improve comfort and connectivity, aiming to boost tourism and travel across Jammu and Kashmir.
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