In a historic move set to transform connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the first semi-high-speed train service in the Kashmir valley. Regular operations will commence from June 7, with bookings already open on IRCTC platforms.

Journey at a Glance:

  • Route: Katra to Srinagar

  • Distance: ~190 km

  • Travel Time: Just 3 hours

  • Operating Days: Six days a week (except Tuesday)

  • Stops: Only Banihal station with a 2-minute halt

  • Special Features: Crosses the world’s highest railway bridge (Chenab) and India’s first cable-stayed Anji bridge.

Kashmir Vande Bharat Delhi Big Vande Bharat Express Wait Is Over. Fare, Route, Stopage All Announced For Kashmir.

Timings and Train Numbers:

Two trains in each direction will operate daily:

From Katra to Srinagar:

  • Train 26401: Departs at 8:10 AM, arrives 11:08 AM

  • Train 26403: Departs at 2:55 PM, arrives 5:53 PM

From Srinagar to Katra:

  • Train 26404: Departs at 8:00 AM, arrives 10:58 AM

  • Train 26402: Departs at 2:00 PM, arrives 4:58 PM

Fare Details:

Morning Departure:

  • Chair Car (CC): ₹715 | Executive Chair Car (EC): ₹1320
    Afternoon Departure:

  • Chair Car (CC): ₹660 | Executive Chair Car (EC): ₹1270
    From Srinagar (Train 26402):

  • CC: ₹880 | EC: ₹1515
    Train 26404 Return:

  • CC: ₹715 | EC: ₹1320

Engineered for the Himalayas:

The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat train is specially designed for harsh winters with anti-freezing systems enabling smooth operation at temperatures as low as –15°C. It includes:

  • Automatic doors, GPS info systems, CCTV surveillance, and vacuum bio-toilets

  • Speed Capacity: Up to 180 km/h

  • Catering: Meals include vegetarian options like paratha, paneer, dal, pulao

Strategic and Tourism Impact:

Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the ₹43,000 crore mega project aims to bridge Kashmir with the rest of India. With this launch, travel from Katra to Srinagar — once a 6–7 hour journey by road — can now be completed in just 3 hours, drastically improving pilgrimage, trade, and tourism.

The Road Ahead:

Currently, the service operates between Katra and Srinagar only. A Jammu–Srinagar direct route will begin post the completion of Jammu yard construction.

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