High occupancy in Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Weekend seats vanish in no time

The premium Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was launched on May 2. By May 5, the seats for the whole week, including weekends, were reportedly fully booked! PTI reports that in the first four days, 16,349 people have already travelled in the train, and the average occupancy rate is 82%. On May 4 alone, 4,680 passengers travelled on the train. 

The train's scenic route, through the Pir Panjal range (where the Gulmarg ski resort is located), seems to have enamoured both tourists and pilgrims. They also seem excited about the comfortable services and shorter travel time between the stops. 

The train, which covers 272 km in just about 5 hours, significantly reduces the earlier commute time of 12 - 24 hours by rail and road. It leaves Jammu Tawi at 6.20 am and reaches Srinagar by 11.10 am. On the return journey, it leaves Srinagar at 2 pm and arrives at Jammu at 6.50 pm. Authorities from the Jammu division have been conducting regular inspections to ensure high service standards, they added. The train's AC Chair Car fares range from ₹665 to ₹730, and the Executive Chair Car fares range from ₹1,280 to ₹1,340. Its seats can be booked via the IRCTC website and the various ticket booking apps.