Katra, June 7, 2025 – The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express chugged out of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at 8:10 AM today, marking its historic inaugural commercial journey to Srinagar, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the high-speed train on June 6, 2025. This state-of-the-art train, part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, promises to transform travel in Jammu and Kashmir by cutting the Katra-Srinagar journey to a swift three hours, compared to the 6-7 hours by road.
The Vande Bharat Express, designed to brave the region’s extreme winter conditions, navigated the scenic yet challenging Himalayan terrain, crossing the iconic Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters—and the pioneering Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Covering 272 km with a stop at Banihal, train number 26401 is set to reach Srinagar by 11:08 AM, while the return service (26402) departs Srinagar at 2:00 PM, arriving back in Katra by 4:48 PM. A second train pair (26404/26403) will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays, with tickets priced at ₹715 for chair car and ₹1,320 for executive class.
The launch, attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, followed heightened security measures due to recent regional concerns. Originally planned for April, the rollout was delayed by weather and logistical challenges, making today’s journey a symbol of perseverance. The ₹43,780-crore USBRL project, encompassing 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, ensures year-round connectivity, a significant leap for Kashmir’s integration with India’s rail network.
Equipped with advanced features like heated windscreens, silicon-heated bio-toilets, and seismic dampers for sub-zero temperatures, the train offers passengers a blend of comfort and safety. “This is a new era for Kashmir travel—fast, safe, and stunning!” The train’s arrival is expected to boost tourism to the Vaishno Devi shrine and Kashmir’s picturesque landscapes, while empowering local economies by easing access to markets for artisans and farmers.
As the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express speeds through the mountains, it heralds a new chapter of connectivity, uniting pilgrims, tourists, and locals in a journey of progress and pride.
