Northern Railway has commenced commercial operations of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar. This marks a transformative moment in India’s rail infrastructure, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through a high-speed, semi-high-speed electric train service that has already captured public imagination.
The service was launched on 6 June with significant public enthusiasm, coinciding with the Prime Minister’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir to inaugurate the iconic Chenab bridge — the world’s highest railway arch bridge. The Vande Bharat Express is now operating between Katra and Baramulla via Srinagar, covering a critical segment of the long-anticipated Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link (USBRL), which has been under phased development for over two decades.The inaugural commercial journey of the Vande Bharat Express witnessed full bookings within hours of the announcement, underscoring the public’s eagerness for reliable, fast, and comfortable transport into Kashmir. Northern Railway officials confirmed that two Vande Bharat rakes conducted four trips on the first day, with all operations running on schedule.
The train service offers two classes—Chair Car and Executive Class—priced at ₹715 and ₹1,320 respectively. With panoramic windows, bio-vacuum toilets, onboard infotainment, and enhanced safety features, the Vande Bharat Express is designed for both efficiency and passenger comfort, while adhering to sustainable mobility goals. Its fully electric traction reduces dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with India’s push towards net-zero emissions in transport.Passengers who disembarked at Srinagar station described the experience as “historic” and “long overdue.” Many shared that they had waited years to witness train connectivity to Kashmir. For students, professionals, and pilgrims, the development promises easier access to the region and new economic possibilities for local tourism and trade.
This new leg of the Vande Bharat service is more than a symbolic milestone. It operationalises a critical component of India’s rail network through terrain once deemed near-impossible for such infrastructure. The Chenab bridge, which the Prime Minister visited on the same day, stands testament to the engineering challenges that had to be overcome — including seismic vulnerability, extreme weather, and topographical constraints.The broader vision for rail in the region is not only connectivity but economic inclusion. The presence of a modern rail corridor is expected to spur investments in sustainable tourism, green logistics, and cold-chain agriculture transport in the Kashmir Valley. It also serves as a vital infrastructural backbone to integrate Jammu and Kashmir into India’s national economy on more equitable terms.
Although challenges remain in ensuring full-year operability due to snowfall and landslide-prone zones, Indian Railways appears poised to continuously invest in technology and maintenance that can overcome climatic odds.
The rollout of the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar thus represents a convergence of infrastructure, political will, and public aspiration. If managed efficiently, it could pave the way for a new chapter in environmentally responsible and inclusive regional development.
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