Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: India is all set to witness the launch of a historic rail journey as the much-awaited Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express gets ready to redefine travel in Jammu and Kashmir with breathtaking views, tunnels, and engineering marvels.
Indian Railways is on track to achieve a significant milestone with the launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on April 19, 2025. The prestigious train is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a new era of connectivity and development in the Kashmir Valley. This modern semi-high-speed train, equipped with advanced features, promises to transform travel in the Kashmir Valley by slashing journey time, enhancing passenger comfort, and connecting remote regions via the marvelously engineered Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). With this launch, the picturesque terrain of Jammu and Kashmir will become more accessible, thanks to the Vande Bharat Express’s advanced features and strategic connectivity along the 272 kilometre route.
Train Overview and Route Highlights
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will operate along the newly completed USBRL corridor, traversing areas that were once difficult to reach by rail. The single train initially operating on this route will cover the entire distance in just over three hours, a significant reduction from the current 6 to 7 hours by road.
The entire route of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express showcases a significant achievement in modern engineering, combining advanced construction techniques with innovative design to navigate one of India’s most challenging terrains. It spans a total of 272 kilometers and includes 36 tunnels that stretch across 119 kilometers, highlighting the immense challenges overcome during its construction. Two of the most remarkable structures along this route are the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, both representing milestones in Indian railway engineering.
The Chenab Bridge, recognized as the highest railway arch bridge in the world, stands as a testament to the remarkable engineering and design capabilities employed in this project. This feat of engineering not only enhances the connectivity of the region but also adds to its visual appeal, offering travelers breathtaking views as the train crosses this spectacular structure.
Another engineering marvel is the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. This bridge, which has a unique design, adds to the distinctiveness of the route, further improving accessibility in a region that was previously challenging to reach by train. Together, these structures not only demonstrate advanced engineering but also significantly contribute to the scenic beauty of the journey, making it a truly memorable experience for passengers.
Engineering Marvels: Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges
Among the most spectacular aspects of this journey are the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, both of which represent some of the most ambitious engineering feats in the world.
- Chenab Bridge: With a height of 359 meters, it rises 35 meters above the Eiffel Tower. Built with over 30,000 tonnes of steel, the bridge is engineered to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.
- Anji Khad Bridge: This is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, built over the Anji River, showcasing next-level structural ingenuity in a region prone to seismic and weather-related challenges.
Train Schedule, Travel Time, and Halts
The new Vande Bharat Express will be a day-only service running initially once a day. The journey between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar will take just a little over 3 hours, providing a significant travel-time advantage.
Expected key Stops along the route include:
- Reasi
- Sangaldan
- Banihal
- Anantnag
The train will be operated by the Northern Railway Zone and will run on a schedule carefully tailored for safety and regional considerations — avoiding night services due to area sensitivity.
Special Features of the Train
The Vande Bharat Express has been specially engineered to endure the extreme winter conditions of the Kashmir Valley, where temperatures often fall below zero. To ensure uninterrupted, year-round connectivity, the train is equipped with a range of advanced features — including heated windshields, silicon heating pads in water and bio-toilet tanks, heated plumbing pipelines, and onboard heating systems in Indian-style toilets.
A railway official explained, “These upgrades were necessary because Srinagar and other parts of the Valley experience freezing temperatures. The train’s winter-ready design ensures reliable operations even in the harshest weather.”
Initially, the train is expected to run once daily. However, based on passenger demand and regional needs, both the frequency and route could be expanded in the future.
To cater to Kashmir’s harsh climate, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat includes several first-ever winter-proofing features in Indian Railways:
- Heated windshields and plumbing systems
- Silicon heating pads in bio-toilet tanks
- Heating elements in Indian-style toilets
- Winter-resistant coach design
These enhancements make the train not just luxurious and comfortable, but also uniquely equipped for the Valley’s demanding conditions — ensuring consistent operations throughout the year..
The eight-coach configuration includes:
- 1 Executive Class Coach
- 7 AC Chair Car Coaches
Impact on Tourism and Connectivity
This development is expected to be a game-changer for tourism and regional mobility in the Kashmir Valley. The Vande Bharat train opens up a smoother route for tourists who travel to Katra for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and wish to extend their journey to the serene valleys of Srinagar.
According to a Railway Ministry official, Katra is already well connected to major cities across India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kanyakumari. With this new train, pilgrims and tourists alike can experience Kashmir with unmatched ease and comfort.
Ticket Pricing and Booking Info
The expected fare structure is:
- Chair Car: ₹1,000 to ₹1,600
- Executive Class: ₹2,000 to ₹2,600
Tickets will soon be available via the IRCTC online platform and railway reservation counters.
Enhanced Security Measures
Officials have confirmed that comprehensive security protocols will be in place for passengers traveling on the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. These include thorough frisking, luggage checks, and the use of advanced surveillance and screening systems at key boarding points. The goal is to ensure maximum safety and a smooth journey for all travelers.”
Given the region’s strategic significance, Indian Railways is stepping up security at Katra station, where the train begins its journey. This includes the deployment of extra personnel and tightened access control to ensure full compliance with safety procedures — offering peace of mind to passengers traveling through the Kashmir Valley.
From Dream to Reality: The USBRL Project Timeline
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project was first envisioned in 1994-95. Although the Qazigund to Baramulla section started operations back in 2009, connecting the full route was a major challenge due to the region’s tough terrain and severe weather conditions. Though the construction officially began in 1997, the project encountered numerous obstacles — from treacherous terrain and difficult geological formations to severe weather — resulting in repeated delays.
Over the last two months, Indian Railways has carried out extensive trial runs on major segments of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), successfully testing operations over iconic engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge. Now, after decades of engineering innovation and perseverance, the entire 272 km route stands fully operational — marking a historic milestone in enhancing rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Conclusion
The launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express goes beyond being a mere addition to India’s railway network. It serves as a symbol of significant progress, enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country. This new train represents a leap in regional development, providing faster, more comfortable travel options that connect remote areas to urban centers.
It reflects the country’s commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth, particularly in regions that have long faced connectivity challenges due to difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. With its modern amenities, reduced travel time, and breathtaking scenic routes, this train is set to become one of India’s most unforgettable rail journeys.
Final Call
As India’s fastest-growing semi-high-speed train network continues to evolve, the Vande Bharat Express once again showcases how technology and determination can bridge even the most remote corners of the country, bringing them closer than ever before. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this revolutionary journey! Book your tickets now to experience the unmatched comfort of the Vande Bharat Express as it glides through the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. April 19, 2025, is just around the corner — get ready for a new era in rail travel!
