The Railway Board has put the proposal to extend the Vande Bharat service from Jammu to Srinagar on hold, an official said. The decision follows a review of operational and safety considerations and will delay any immediate launch of the extended service. The Board clarified that the hold is temporary and follows standard procedural checks.

The extension had been under consideration amid calls for faster connectivity to the Valley but officials indicated that several technical and logistical issues require resolution before approval can proceed. Authorities have been examining track readiness, signalling upgrades, and platform adaptations for higher speed operations. Officials emphasised that infrastructure improvements must meet required safety standards prior to any commencement.

Passengers and regional stakeholders were informed that existing train services will continue while the Railway Board completes the assessment. Railways may adjust schedules or deploy additional conventional services to accommodate demand during the interim, subject to operational feasibility. Commuters were advised to monitor official channels for timetable updates.

Officials added that final clearance will depend on a comprehensive appraisal of traffic projections, infrastructure capacity, and crew training needs, along with coordination with local agencies. The Board will also factor in maintenance facilities and turnaround times to ensure the service can be operated reliably. The appraisal will draw on internal audits and technical studies to assess readiness across the corridor.

The timeline for any renewed proposal remains uncertain and will be communicated after completion of the review. The pause underscores the priority given to safety and reliability before committing to major route extensions and reflects a measured approach to network expansion. Stakeholders will be consulted as part of the process to ensure the service design aligns with regional needs.