Vande Bharat Train Between Katra and Srinagar Begins Today, Cuts Travel Time to Just 3 Hours

New Delhi: In a major boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity, regular operations of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra begin today, significantly reducing travel time and improving accessibility in the region.

According to Northern Railway, the semi-high-speed train will operate six days a week, drastically cutting down the journey time from 6–7 hours by road to just 3 hours.

This marks a landmark moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s transport development, connecting the Kashmir Valley directly to one of the country’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.

Two pairs of Vande Bharat trains—Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402—will run on the newly inaugurated Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar route, with scheduled stops at Banihal.

Specially engineered for extreme winter conditions, the trains are equipped with heated windshields, advanced defrosting systems, thermally insulated toilets, and high-performance heating mechanisms to ensure smooth and safe operations throughout the year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat run on Friday after the successful completion of the ambitious 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link project, which includes the iconic Chenab Bridge—the tallest railway arch bridge in the world.

Until now, rail connectivity in the region was limited to the Banihal–Baramulla corridor in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu–Udhampur–Katra in the Jammu region.

This new Vande Bharat service is expected to revolutionize travel for both residents and tourists, while also making it easier for pilgrims visiting the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine.

With its premium onboard facilities, all-weather reliability, and high speed, the Vande Bharat Express is set to become a key link connecting North India with the Kashmir Valley, enhancing both convenience and regional integration.

With inputs from IANS