Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to commence operations on June 7, marking a new era of rail travel in Kashmir.
Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: A new chapter in India’s railway journey begins on June 6, 2025, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the long-awaited Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, marking the official inclusion of Kashmir into the high-speed rail map of India. This monumental launch not only connects the scenic valley to the rest of the nation but also signifies India’s engineering prowess, overcoming one of the most challenging railway construction terrains in the world.
A Giant Leap: The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL)
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) is more than just a railway project; it stands as a national milestone. Spanning 272 kilometers, the line has been carved through the rugged Himalayan landscape at a cost of ₹43,780 crore. The route includes 36 tunnels stretching a total of 119 kilometers and 943 bridges, enabling uninterrupted travel across steep ridges, deep valleys, and isolated regions. With this achievement, the long-awaited dream of all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir finally becomes a reality.
Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges: Icons of Innovation
Among the most talked-about features of the USBRL project are two engineering marvels. Rising majestically through the Himalayan landscape, the Chenab Bridge stands as the tallest railway arch in the world. Nearby, the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, showcases a bold leap in engineering design. Together, these iconic structures symbolize the nation’s advancement in rail infrastructure. These architectural wonders have not only conquered geographical challenges but also represent India’s ability to build world-class infrastructure in the harshest of environments.
Regular Services Start June 7: All About the Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
The newly introduced Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will start commercial operations from June 7, 2025, just one day after its grand flag-off by PM Modi. Initially, the service will run six days a week, skipping only one day depending on the train set. While Jammu Tawi Station is undergoing redevelopment, the current service starts from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, ensuring uninterrupted convenience for pilgrims and travelers alike.
Train Timings, Frequency and Halts: All You Need to Know
Two Vande Bharat Express train sets will now serve the much-anticipated Katra-Srinagar route, offering four high-speed journeys daily. These services are designed for comfort, speed, and scenic travel through the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. The route marks a major milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and passenger convenience.
Train Set 1 (26401/26402):
The first Vande Bharat Express set on the Katra-Srinagar route runs as Train 26401 and 26402. Train 26401 departs Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 8:10 AM and arrives in Srinagar at 11:08 AM. It makes a scheduled stop at Banihal railway station at 9:56 AM. On the return trip, Train 26402 leaves Srinagar at 2:00 PM and reaches Katra by 4:58 PM, halting at Banihal at 3:08 PM. This train set operates six days a week and remains non-operational on Tuesdays.
Train Set 2 (26403/26404):
The second Vande Bharat Express set consists of Train 26403 and 26404. Train 26403 departs Katra at 2:55 PM and arrives in Srinagar at 5:53 PM, stopping at Banihal at 4:40 PM. The return journey, Train 26404, starts from Srinagar at 8:00 AM and reaches Katra by 10:58 AM, with a halt at Banihal at 9:00 AM. This set runs six days a week, except on Wednesdays.
Designed for Himalayan Winters: Safety Meets Comfort
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is its winter-resilient design. Built to operate smoothly at temperatures as low as -20°C, the train features:
- Heated windshields
- Thermally insulated lavatories
- Advanced heating systems
These features ensure year-round comfort for passengers, even during the harsh winter months when traditional road travel becomes risky or impossible.
Fares and Classes: Affordable Yet Luxurious Travel
The train offers two travel classes to suit different passenger preferences:
- Chair Car (CC): ₹450 to ₹900
- Executive Chair Car (EC): ₹1,000 to ₹1,600
Both classes provide modern seating, onboard catering, and a comfortable travel experience, making the Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express the ideal choice for business travelers, tourists, and devotees alike.
IRCTC Bookings and Passenger Convenience
Following the inauguration, passengers will be able to book tickets via IRCTC, India’s trusted railway booking platform. This is expected to significantly increase ridership from day one, particularly among pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi, tourists heading to Gulmarg and Pahalgam, and locals commuting for work and education.
Jammu’s Rail Future: More Expansion on the Horizon
For now, passengers will board from Katra, as Jammu Tawi Station is being extensively revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Once completed, Vande Bharat services are expected to extend to Jammu, further improving connectivity for the entire region. Additionally, the new Jammu Railway Division, carved out from Ferozepur Division, will manage operations in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, ensuring better logistics and infrastructure oversight.
A Boost to Tourism, Trade and Transport
With the launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the region is poised for a surge in tourism, economic revival, and inter-district mobility. Shorter travel times will attract more domestic and international tourists while also opening doors for local entrepreneurs, hotels, and small businesses. More importantly, this train reinforces Kashmir’s role in India’s mainstream development narrative.
Conclusion: A Journey Beyond Tracks
The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is much more than a train; it represents unity, progress, and resilience. It links not only places but also dreams, cultures, and people. As this high-speed marvel travels through Himalayan tunnels and crosses iconic bridges, it carries a promise of a stronger and more connected Kashmir.
