The much-anticipated Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to begin operations on June 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure. This semi-high-speed train service aims to reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Train 26401 departs Katra at 8:10 AM and arrives in Srinagar at 11:08 AM, with the return journey leaving Srinagar at 2:00 PM and reaching Katra by 4:58 PM. Train 26403 departs Katra at 2:55 PM and arrives in Srinagar at 5:53 PM, with the return journey leaving Srinagar in the early morning and reaching Katra around 8:00 PM. Both trains stop at Banihal, with possible future halts. Passengers can choose between two travel classes: AC Chair Car at ₹715 and AC Executive Chair Car at ₹1,320. The trains are equipped with climate-adaptive designs, including heating systems, defrosting windshields, and insulated lavatories to ensure comfort during extreme weather conditions. Additional amenities include rotatable airline-style seats, charging ports, onboard WiFi, infotainment, tray tables, support racks, and the rail safety system ‘Kavach’. Vegetarian meals featuring local delicacies are also offered onboard.
The Katra–Srinagar route traverses breathtaking Himalayan terrain, including iconic engineering marvels such as the soaring Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and India’s inaugural Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge. These structures not only showcase India’s engineering prowess but also contribute to the region’s resilience against extreme weather conditions. By reducing travel time by up to 2–3 hours, the Vande Bharat Express significantly impacts pilgrims bound for Vaishno Devi in Katra and tourists heading to Srinagar’s lakes and gardens. The train’s swift pace ensures reliable connectivity during monsoons and heavy snowfall when road travel becomes unreliable.
The launch of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express symbolizes more than just swift travel; it represents a transformative step in unifying Kashmir with the rest of India. Enhanced economic opportunities, tourism growth, and dependable year-round access make this train a game-changer not just for pilgrims but for everyone in the region. Travellers can now look forward to a safe, swift, comfortable, and weather-resilient journey through some of India’s most spectacular landscapes.
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