The Ministry of Railways has approved an experimental stoppage of the Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag railway station, officials said.

In a communication issued by the Railway Board, authorities said the stoppage would be introduced at Anantnag from an “early convenient date”, subject to the requisite security clearance.
The Board has directed the concerned authorities to closely monitor ticket sales at Anantnag to assess passenger response and the performance of the new stoppage.

It has also called for wide publicity of the decision and directed officials to ensure compliance and confirm its implementation.

The experimental halt is expected to improve rail connectivity for Anantnag and adjoining areas, particularly benefiting tourists, traders, students and other passengers travelling between Jammu and Kashmir.

Railway sources said the stoppage is likely to become operational by the end of September.

The exact date of commencement, as well as the arrival and departure timings of the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag, are yet to be notified.

The stoppage will initially remain experimental, with passenger footfall, ticket sales and overall response to be monitored before a decision is taken on its continuation.