Srinagar, May 5 -- Srinagar- The valley's rail story has entered a new chapter, and passengers are stepping in with visible enthusiasm. In just four days of its debut run between Jammu and Srinagar, the Vande Bharat Express has not only filled seats but also signalled a shift in how people choose to travel across Jammu and Kashmir.

Launched on May 2, the semi-high-speed train has carried 16,349 passengers till May 5, recording an average occupancy of around 82 per cent, according to railway officials. The early response, they said, reflects growing trust in faster, more comfortable rail connectivity in the region.

What stands out is the sharp rise in demand within days of its introduction. On May 4, the service operated at about 82 per ...