When Does the Vande Bharat Train Between Katra and Srinagar Start?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a groundbreaking development, the Vande Bharat Express begins its regular service between Srinagar and Katra, significantly reducing travel time to just three hours. This move promises to transform connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, creating easier access for pilgrims and enhancing the travel experience for both locals and tourists.
Key Takeaways
- Vande Bharat Express launches between Srinagar and Katra.
- Travel time reduced to three hours.
- Operates six days a week.
- Designed for extreme winter conditions.
- Enhances connectivity for pilgrims and tourists.
New Delhi, June 7 (NationPress) In a significant enhancement to transportation in Jammu and Kashmir, the regular operations of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra kick off today.
The Northern Railway has announced that these semi-high-speed trains will run six days a week, greatly shortening the journey time between the Kashmir Valley and the key pilgrimage destination in Katra.
This initiative represents a revolutionary advancement in the region's transportation framework.
The newly launched Vande Bharat service will reduce the travel duration between Srinagar and Katra to just three hours, which is less than half of the existing six to seven hours taken by road.
Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, numbered 26404/26403 and 26401/26402, will operate on the new Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar route, making scheduled stops at Banihal.
These trains are specially built to withstand extreme winter conditions and come with state-of-the-art heating systems, thermally insulated lavatories, heated windshields, and defrosting technology for enhanced driver visibility.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first run of these trains, following the successful completion of the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, which includes the iconic Chenab Bridge, the highest railway arch bridge in the world.
Previously, train services in the area were limited to Banihal–Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu–Udhampur–Katra in the Jammu region.
The expansion of Vande Bharat services will not only offer a quicker, more dependable means of transport for both locals and visitors but is also anticipated to ease access for pilgrims traveling to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine.
With seamless all-weather operation and premium onboard facilities, the Vande Bharat Express is set to elevate the travel experience and enhance regional connectivity, linking North India more closely with the Kashmir Valley.
Point of View
I observe that the launch of the Vande Bharat Express is not merely about speeding up travel; it symbolizes a new era of connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing accessibility for both residents and pilgrims alike. This project showcases India's commitment to improving infrastructure and boosting tourism in the region.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the travel time of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra?
The Vande Bharat Express reduces the travel time to just three hours, which is significantly faster than the previous six to seven hours by road.
How many days a week will the Vande Bharat Express operate?
The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week.
What are the special features of the Vande Bharat Express trains?
These trains are designed to operate in extreme winter conditions and include advanced heating systems, thermally insulated lavatories, and defrosting technology for enhanced driver visibility.
Who inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express service?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the service during a special ceremony.
What is the significance of the Chenab Bridge related to this service?
The Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, which is a crucial engineering achievement in enhancing connectivity in the region.
