India, Feb. 24 -- In a major boost to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, direct train services between Jammu and Srinagar will commence from March 1, officials said on Tuesday.

The move is expected to ease passenger travel and significantly strengthen transport links between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.

An official said the Vande Bharat train will operate with halts at seven stations along the Srinagar-Jammu route, reported news agency KNO.

The train's rake composition has been revised, with the number of coaches increased to 20 from the earlier planned eight to accommodate higher passenger demand.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, Uchit Singhal, confirmed the launch of th...