Anantnag to receive experimental Vande Bharat Express halt

The Railway Board has approved an experimental stoppage for the Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag railway station. The halt is expected to begin by the end of September, pending security clearances and operational formalities.

Local stakeholders, including tourism operators and trade federations, have welcomed the decision. They noted that the stoppage will improve connectivity for residents in four southern Kashmir districts who previously had to travel to Srinagar to access the premium service.

Economic benefits are expected for the local tourism sector, specifically for businesses in Anantnag and surrounding areas such as Pahalgam. Stakeholders indicated that the halt will support livelihoods for taxi operators, hoteliers, and restaurant owners by allowing tourists to access south Kashmir directly without first traveling through Srinagar.