New Delhi I March 12, 2025 – Indian Railways is poised to transform travel to Kashmir with the introduction of a Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat train, a semi-high-speed service equipped with two rolling stock units. Announced exclusively today, this development aims to enhance capacity and efficiency on a route set to become a lifeline between the national capital and the Kashmir Valley.
The Vande Bharat Express, celebrated for its sleek design and swift travel times, is projected to cover the roughly 800-kilometer journey in under 13 hours. While an official launch date has yet to be confirmed, railway insiders hint at a potential rollout this month, pending final clearance from the Railway Board. The tentative schedule includes a departure from New Delhi at 7:00 PM, arriving in Srinagar by 8:00 AM, with stops at key stations like Ambala, Ludhiana, Jammu, and Katra.
The choice to deploy two rolling stock units—possibly two separate train sets or a coupled configuration—reflects a strategic effort to meet expected demand on this vital corridor. This could effectively double the train’s standard capacity of 530 passengers per eight-coach unit, offering flexibility for peak travel periods like summer tourism or holidays. A railway official, speaking anonymously, noted that this setup addresses the route’s unique demands, ensuring scalability without sacrificing the high-speed service’s hallmark efficiency.
The Delhi-Srinagar line promises to boost tourism, trade, and connectivity to Kashmir, a region long hampered by limited transport options. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with anticipation, with users calling it a “game-changer” for economic growth and regional integration. The train’s ability to navigate the challenging terrain, including sections of the under-construction Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), owes much to recent infrastructure milestones, such as the completion of critical tunnels and bridges.
Details like ticket pricing and the final timetable remain under wraps, but the focus on two rolling stock units suggests a robust response to passenger needs. As Indian Railways continues to modernise, this Vande Bharat service stands out as a symbol of progress, poised to bring Kashmir closer to the rest of India than ever before.