The newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Katra to Srinagar have generated immense excitement, but high demand means travelers planning a trip on the Kashmir Vande Bharat might need to be patient. Reports indicate that seats on the trains are fully booked for the initial days of operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express trains on June 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in connecting Kashmir with the rest of India via rail. Regular services commenced on June 7, 2025. The Vande Bharat Express trains are expected to reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to approximately three hours, a substantial decrease from the previous 5-6 hours. This enhanced connectivity is expected to boost tourism, facilitate pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine, and improve overall accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains are currently operating on the Katra-Srinagar route: Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402. These trains operate six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance (Train 26401/26402 does not run on Tuesdays and Train 26403/26404 does not run on Wednesdays). The trains make a stop at Banihal.
Here’s a summary of the train schedules:
Ticket prices vary depending on the train and class of travel. For a chair car seat, fares range from ₹660 to ₹715. Executive class tickets are priced between ₹1,270 and ₹1,320. Passengers can book tickets through the IRCTC web portal and app, or at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at railway stations.
The Vande Bharat Express trains operating in Kashmir are specially designed to withstand the region's harsh winter conditions. Features include heated windscreens, sophisticated heating mechanisms, and thermally insulated lavatories to ensure year-round operation, even at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. An ice cutter is also installed on the trains to clear snow from the tracks.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, under which these Vande Bharat services operate, represents a massive infrastructure undertaking, including 38 tunnels and 943 bridges across challenging Himalayan terrain. The completion of this project fulfills a long-awaited demand for direct rail connectivity to Kashmir and is expected to boost socio-economic integration in the region.
While the initial rush for tickets may require some patience, the long-term benefits of the Vande Bharat Express services in Kashmir are undeniable. The reduced travel time, enhanced comfort, and all-weather operability of these trains promise to transform travel experiences and contribute to the region's growth and prosperity.
