Srinagar, June 12, 2025 – The newly launched Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, has become an instant sensation, with tickets sold out for weeks. This high-speed train, connecting the holy town of Katra, base for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is redefining travel in the region. The overwhelming response underscores the train’s significance in boosting tourism, pilgrimage, and regional connectivity.
Unprecedented Demand for Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat
The Vande Bharat Express, operating on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), has seen record-breaking bookings since its commercial operations began on June 7, 2025. Railway officials report that both trains on the Katra-Srinagar route are fully booked until June 26, 2025, with advance reservations spilling into July. Over 30,000 passengers have already traveled on this route in the first few days, highlighting its popularity among tourists, pilgrims, and locals.
Jugal Kishor Sharma, Station Superintendent at Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, noted, “Public enthusiasm has far exceeded expectations.” The train’s modern amenities, scenic route, and reliability in harsh weather have fuelled its appeal.
Key Features of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
Designed to withstand Kashmir’s sub-zero temperatures, this Vande Bharat is equipped with advanced features tailored for the region:
- Heated windshields and insulated toilets to combat frost at –20°C.
- Advanced heating systems for passenger comfort.
- Automatic doors, Wi-Fi, GPS-based information systems, and bio-vacuum toilets.
- Fully air-conditioned coaches with 478 chair car seats and 52 executive seats.
The train covers the 189 km distance between Katra and Srinagar in just three hours, passing through 27 tunnels, 49 bridges, including the iconic Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters above the river—and the Anji cable-stayed bridge. This engineering marvel offers passengers breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range and Himalayan valleys.
Train Schedule and Ticket Prices
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat operates six days a week (excluding Tuesdays) with two daily services. Below is the detailed schedule and fare structure:
| Train Number | Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Journey Time | Fare (Chair Car) | Fare (Executive Class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26401 | Katra to Srinagar | 8:10 AM | 11:08 AM | 2h 58m | ₹715 | ₹1,320 |
| 26402 | Srinagar to Katra | 2:00 PM | 4:58 PM | 2h 58m | ₹880 | ₹1,515 |
| 26403 | Katra to Srinagar | 2:55 PM | 5:53 PM | 2h 58m | ₹660 | ₹1,270 |
| 26404 | Srinagar to Katra | 8:00 AM | 10:58 AM | 2h 58m | ₹880 | ₹1,515 |
Note: Fares vary slightly due to differences in catering charges. A vegetarian meal option is available with tickets.
Why the Surge in Bookings?
Several factors contribute to the train’s overwhelming popularity:
- Enhanced Connectivity: Before this rail link, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was the only route, often closed due to adverse weather. The Vande Bharat offers a reliable, all-weather alternative.
- Tourism and Pilgrimage Boost: The train connects Katra, a major pilgrimage hub, with Srinagar, a top tourist destination. Pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi can now easily extend their journey to Kashmir’s attractions like Gulmarg and Sonamarg. The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, starting July 3, 2025, is expected to further increase demand.
- Time-Saving: The three-hour journey is comparable to flight times, eliminating the need for long taxi rides or expensive air travel.
- Social Media Buzz: Influencers and vloggers have amplified interest by sharing videos of the train’s scenic route, particularly the Chenab Bridge crossing, driving organic publicity.
Passenger Experiences
Passengers have praised the train for its comfort and convenience:
- Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister and National Conference president, called it the “biggest gift” to Jammu and Kashmir, describing his emotional journey crossing the Chenab Bridge.
- Ashok Kumar Khajanchi, a tourist from Bikaner, canceled a ₹6,000 taxi booking to travel by Vande Bharat, highlighting its affordability and ease.
- Deepak Gupta, a teacher from Uttar Pradesh, booked tickets spontaneously to visit Kashmir with his brothers after their Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat is expected to drive long-term economic benefits by promoting tourism, trade, and local industry. The USBRL project, culminating in this rail link, symbolizes enhanced integration of Kashmir with the rest of India. Passengers like Aarif Hussain, a UPSC aspirant from Srinagar, emphasised its role in making travel “cheaper, faster, and more reliable,” reorienting connectivity in the region.
Railway authorities are exploring options to increase capacity to meet the soaring demand, with discussions underway to add more coaches or services.
How to Book Tickets?
Tickets can be booked via the IRCTC mobile app or website. However, due to the high demand, travellers are advised to plan well in advance. The waiting list for both chair car and executive class is already long, with no seats available until late June.
Conclusion
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has captured the imagination of travelers, offering a seamless, scenic, and modern journey through one of India’s most picturesque regions. With tickets sold out for weeks and bookings extending into July, this train is not just a mode of transport but a symbol of connectivity, progress, and the enduring allure of Kashmir.
