Jammu, March 27, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first-ever train service from Katra to the Kashmir Valley on April 19, marking a significant milestone in fulfilling a decades-long dream of rail connectivity to the region. The event, scheduled to take place at Katra, the base camp for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, will see the launch of a Vande Bharat Express, enhancing transportation links between Jammu and Kashmir.
The train will depart from Katra in Reasi district, traverse the challenging Pir Panjal mountain range, and connect to Srinagar before reaching its final destination, Baramulla, in north Kashmir. This rail link, part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, is expected to revolutionise travel, boost tourism, and stimulate economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi will flag off the train in the presence of key dignitaries, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The ceremony will follow the Prime Minister’s visit to the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, an engineering marvel integral to the USBRL project. Modi is expected to be briefed on the bridge’s construction before proceeding to Katra for the train launch.
The Vande Bharat Express, specially designed to operate in the Valley’s harsh climatic conditions, promises a faster and more comfortable journey. Successful trial runs and safety clearances have paved the way for this historic moment, ending a wait of over 70 years for direct rail access to Kashmir. Currently, train services operate between Sangaldan and Baramulla, with Katra serving as a major hub for pilgrims and travelers from across India.
Official sources confirmed that PM Modi will land at Udhampur Army airport on the morning of April 19 before heading to the Chenab Bridge and then Katra. The launch is anticipated to draw significant attention, with the train service expected to begin regular operations from Jammu by August 2025.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, a region long awaiting seamless integration with the national railway network. The Katra-to-Valley train is poised to become a game-changer for trade, tourism, and accessibility in the Kashmir Valley.