Srinagar, May 26 -- Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has swiftly emerged as a transformative chapter in the story of connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. In just 22 days, more than one lakh passengers have boarded the train, a figure that speaks not only to demand but to the trust reposed in a service that has redefined mobility in the region. For decades, journeys between the two cities were marked by uncertainty; roads blocked by landslides, weather disruptions, and airfares that excluded many. The new rail service has rewritten that narrative, offering speed, reliability, and affordability in a place where mobility has long been a challenge.

Covering the distance in a little over four hours, the train has restored confidence in publi...