Travel between Delhi and Srinagar has moved a step closer to seamless connectivity, with Indian Railways’ latest Vande Bharat Express service now covering the last-mile stretch from Katra to Srinagar. While a direct train to Srinagar is not yet available, the upgraded rail and road link—anchored by the climate-resilient Vande Bharat Express—marks a milestone in connecting the national capital to Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital through a smarter, faster, and more comfortable journey.
The current rail route to Srinagar involves a transfer at Katra or Jammu Tawi, both well connected to Delhi by multiple express trains. Passengers disembarking at Katra now have the option to board the newly introduced Vande Bharat Express, designed specifically for mountainous terrain and cold weather. This move signals the gradual integration of the Kashmir Valley into the national rail network and comes amid the backdrop of strategic and economic development in the region. Officials from the Northern Railway confirmed that the train is engineered to operate in sub-zero temperatures, withstanding up to -15°C. Fitted with advanced braking systems, weather-sealed compartments, and intelligent air-conditioning, the train ensures operational efficiency even in harsh Himalayan conditions. These features position the Vande Bharat as a reliable year-round mobility solution for both residents and tourists heading to the Valley.
The Vande Bharat currently runs two daily services from Katra to Srinagar. The morning train departs at 8:10 AM and reaches Srinagar by 11:08 AM, operating six days a week except Tuesdays. The afternoon service departs at 2:55 PM and arrives at 5:53 PM. Ticket prices have been structured for broader affordability: Chair Car fares range from ₹715 to ₹880, while Executive Class fares are between ₹1320 and ₹1515, depending on the time of travel. The northern journey starts in Delhi, with multiple trains serving as efficient connectors to Katra. Popular services such as the Shri Shakti Express, Jammu Mail, and Uttam Sampark Kranti Express provide overnight travel, enabling same-day transfers to the Vande Bharat. These services are scheduled in a way that ensures minimal wait times between arrival at Katra and the Vande Bharat departure to Srinagar. The Indian Railways has also worked on punctuality, ensuring that connections are smooth and predictable—crucial for tourists, business travellers, and pilgrims alike.
Transport officials say the coordination between long-haul express trains and the Vande Bharat service is part of a broader multi-modal integration plan being piloted in Jammu and Kashmir. Until the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) is fully operational, this hybrid model of rail-to-road transition allows uninterrupted public transport to Srinagar. The remaining journey from Jammu to Srinagar, around 270 km by road, is facilitated through state-run buses and private taxis. However, the Vande Bharat’s extension to the Valley has reduced this road stretch by almost half, cutting down travel time and fatigue for passengers, especially during extreme weather or high-traffic pilgrimage seasons.
While the USBRL project, once completed, is expected to provide direct rail connectivity from Delhi to Srinagar, the Vande Bharat Express fills a critical gap for now. Infrastructure experts point out that this also aids the decarbonisation of hill transport by replacing polluting road vehicles with electric rail alternatives where possible. It also adds a layer of climate resilience to the region’s transport framework, in line with India’s broader commitment to net-zero targets. Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the development, citing its potential to improve visitor flows to Kashmir. The ease of access is expected to boost eco-tourism, winter travel, and pilgrimage circuits like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, without overwhelming local resources. “It’s not just a train, but a vital artery connecting hearts, economies and cultures,” said a senior official from the regional tourism department.
Sustainability advocates too are observing the rollout closely. The move to use energy-efficient electric trains in the region, rather than expanding carbon-intensive road networks, is seen as a step in the right direction for balancing connectivity and conservation in ecologically sensitive terrain. Officials further stated that the long-term railway vision includes not just passenger connectivity, but also freight corridors that can open up Kashmir’s famed horticulture and handicraft sectors to new markets via Delhi and beyond. This vision aligns with the government’s policy of integrated regional development, wherein infrastructure plays a catalytic role in socio-economic inclusion.
The overall reception to the enhanced train travel experience has been positive, especially among local residents and domestic tourists who prefer rail for its safety, affordability, and environmental benefits. However, officials acknowledge that last-mile transport and intermodal coordination still need fine-tuning. There are also calls for expanding the number of coaches and frequency of services during peak seasons. Yet, what is clear is that the latest expansion of the Vande Bharat Express represents more than just a new route. It is part of a layered strategy to reconnect Kashmir—geographically, economically, and emotionally—to the rest of India. The train symbolises both movement and momentum, charting a path towards more equitable, accessible, and climate-conscious development in the region.
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