Imagine cutting your traveling time from seven hours to just three hours while enjoying world-class comfort. This dream has become a reality for travellers in Jammu and Kashmir. The much-awaited train, Vande Bharat Express, officially started operations on Friday. Its regular service between Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra marks a revolutionary change in regional transportation.
Katra-Srinagar Journey Begins
A train crosses the World’s highest railway bridge named “Chenab Rail Bridge” in India 🛤️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Vh65rFypxq
— Pubity (@pubity) June 7, 2025
On Saturday, this high-speed train service transformed how people travel in the region. The Northern Railway has introduced a service that runs 6 days a week, connecting the beautiful Kashmir Valley with the holy town of Katra in record time.
The difference is remarkable. What used to be a tiring 6 to 7-hour road journey has now become a comfortable three-hour train journey. From pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine to tourists exploring Kashmir, this change is nothing short of magical.
Two Vande Bharat Train Services
Rising boldly across the mountains, the Chenab Rail Bridge showcases design ingenuity and structural mastery. It will deepen connectivity, thus boosting trade, commerce and tourism. pic.twitter.com/mz2KVM8eGd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025
The railway authorities have planned the service thoroughly. There are two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains operating on this route.
Train numbers 26403/26404 and 26401/26402 serve passengers with different timing options. Both trains make a stop at Banihal Station during their journey.
Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Train Schedule
First Service – Train 26401
- Departure from Katra at 8:10 AM
- Arrival in Srinagar at 11:08 AM
- Return from Srinagar at 2:00 PM
- Arrival back in Katra at 4:58 PM
Note: This service does not run on Tuesdays.
Second Service – Train 26403
- Departure from Katra at 2:55 PM
- Arrival in Srinagar at 5:53 PM
- Return from Srinagar at 8:00 AM (Next Day)
Note: This service does not operate on Wednesdays.
What makes these Vande Bharat trains truly special? They are specially designed to handle Kashmir’s harsh winter conditions. The engineers have equipped them with advanced features that ensure safe and comfortable travel even in extreme weather.
The Vande Bharat trains come with a heating system for sub-zero temperatures, insulated toilets, a heated windshield, and defrosting features. These elements help drivers maintain clear visibility during snowfall and fog, ensuring passenger safety throughout the journey.
Additional comfort features include 360-degree rotating seats and charging points, making the travel experience modern and convenient for all passengers.
Affordable Luxury Travel
The pricing structure makes these premium services accessible to different budget ranges:
- Chair Car (CC): ₹715 per ticket
- Executive Class (EC): ₹1320 per ticket
These prices offer excellent value, considering the time saved and comfort provided.
Historic Engineering Achieved
The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge!
It’s a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India’s growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains. pic.twitter.com/PrqELwfO7k
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025
This service became possible after the completion of the 272 km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail line. This massive engineering project includes the world-famous Chenab Bridge, recognised as the highest railway arch bridge globally.
Previously, the Vande Bharat Express trains were running between Banihal and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley and from Jammu to Udhampur to Katra in the Jammu region. Now, the people of the valley can use trains for travel throughout the nation.
Prime Minister’s Official Launch
Highlights from a memorable visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Bridge are transformative projects! pic.twitter.com/rfTtxYvo98
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2025
On June 6th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the first run of the Vande Bharat Express train, highlighting the national importance of the connectivity project.
Impact On Tourism And Local Life
This development promises to be transformational for the region. Local residents will enjoy faster, more reliable transportation options. It is now easier for tourists to get to Kashmir’s amazing spots. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that pilgrims to Vaishno Devi will experience great convenience.
Because it can run in bad weather and offers new features, this service will always run on time, greatly enhancing the connectivity between North India and Kashmir.
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