Has the Vande Bharat train service between Srinagar and Katra officially commenced operations?

Jammu, June 8 (NationPress) The Northern Railways has launched the commercial operations of the Vande Bharat train service connecting Srinagar city to Katra town in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials confirmed that the train service, which was inaugurated on June 6 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, began its commercial run on Saturday.

This service facilitates travel from Katra, located in the Reasi district, to the stunning Kashmir Valley. Following the completion of expansion work at the Jammu railway station, the service is expected to extend from Jammu to the Valley by September this year.

The advanced Vande Bharat train is designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather of the region. It features air-conditioning, central heating, charging points, comfortable seating, onboard meal services, and defrosting technology for the driver’s windshield.

Traveling by road from Katra to Srinagar typically takes about eight hours, depending on weather and road conditions, while the Vande Bharat train reduces this time to just three hours.

The rail route between Katra and Srinagar includes 36 tunnels and numerous bridges, notably the Chenab Railway Bridge, which is recognized as the world’s tallest bridge, towering 35 meters above the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Additionally, the Anji cable-stayed bridge on this route is India’s first railway bridge of its kind, both constructions are celebrated engineering feats that have garnered international acclaim for Indian Railways.

Frequent blockages on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway due to landslides and other natural calamities have made travel to Srinagar a challenging endeavor. However, with the Vande Bharat train operating on a set schedule, the dependence on weather conditions is significantly reduced, providing reliability to passengers.

Passengers traveling between Katra and Baramulla expressed great excitement, with many stating they had long awaited the chance to journey to Kashmir by train.

The inaugural day of commercial operations was successful, with trains reaching their destinations on time, and the public's enthusiasm was evident as most seats were booked shortly after the train's launch.

According to Northern Railway, two Vande Bharat train sets made four trips on Saturday between Katra and Srinagar.

This train offers two classes of travel: chair car and executive class, with fares set at Rs 725 and Rs 1320 respectively.

Officials also mentioned that goods trains will run along this track based on demand. The railway link will significantly benefit Kashmir’s apple growers, enabling their produce to reach national markets more efficiently and affordably.