Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on June 6, 2025, offering the specific route its first-ever train. Notably, the new train offers comfort, reduces traveling time, and promises a reduction of travel time between Katra and Srinagar by 2-3 hours.
It is to be noted that during this journey, passengers will now be able to enjoy the local Kashmiri vegetarian cuisines. The IRCTC Additional General Manager Anand Kumar Jha has recently addressed this new addition and outlined that the passengers will be able to enjoy these regional delicacies starting from the second week of July.
As per the recent updates, the delicacies which will be added to the menu include -
Breakfast -
Ambal Kaddu,
Babru,
Parantha
Lunch -
Jammu Rajmah,
Kashmiri Dum Aloo,
Paneer Chaman.
Besides this, if an individual is not interested in the above-mentioned dishes, then he or she may enjoy standard meals such as Upma, Poha, and Vegetable Cutlets.
Key features of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express -
- The train operated six days a week, i.e., on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- The departure time for the train is 8:00 am from Srinagar and reaches Katra at 10:58 am.
- The return time for the train is scheduled - Katra at 2:55 pm and reaches Srinagar at 5:52 pm.
- The common stoppage during the journey is Banihal.
- The train is equipped with modern safety features, and the amenities provide assistance during every weather and is fully electric.
- It is built to operate in extreme cold (up to -20°C) and is equipped with heated windshields, air dryers, and vacuum-based heating systems.