Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, marking a historic moment for rail connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir. This launch follows the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), including the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, and brings all-weather, seamless rail travel to the Kashmir Valley for the first time
Key details of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat service
- Start of Operations: June 7, 2025
- Frequency: Six days a week (except Tuesday for one pair and Wednesday for the other)
- Travel Time: Just under 3 hours between Katra and Srinagar, with a key halt at Banihal
- Fares: AC Chair Car from ₹660; Executive Chair Car fares expected between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500.
- Features: Modern amenities including climate adaptation, heating for sub-zero temperatures, Wi-Fi, infotainment, and GPS-based information
- Significance: The service drastically reduces travel time, boosts tourism and pilgrimage (especially to Vaishno Devi), and integrates Kashmir with the rest of India via rail.
When to expect the Delhi–Srinagar Vande Bharat?
Currently, the Vande Bharat Express operates between Katra and Srinagar because Jammu Tawi station is undergoing redevelopment. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the service will be extended to Jammu by September 2025 after platform upgrades are completed. A direct Delhi–Srinagar Vande Bharat (sleeper version) is also in the pipeline, though an official launch date has not yet been announced. Once the Jammu extension is operational, a direct high-speed train from Delhi to Srinagar will become a reality, further enhancing connectivity for the region.
What this means for travelers
With the new Vande Bharat services, passengers can now travel swiftly and comfortably between the pilgrimage hub of Katra and the Kashmir Valley. The eventual extension to Jammu and Delhi will make Srinagar accessible from the national capital in a single, seamless journey—transforming both tourism and regional mobility in North India.