BREAKING: Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat to Debut as Kashmir’s Fastest Rail Link

Kashmir’s rail network is getting a long-overdue upgrade. With trial runs completed and winter-ready features installed, the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is racing toward launch—bringing high-speed connectivity, tourism growth, and seamless regional mobility to Jammu & Kashmir.

Indian Railways is preparing to launch a new Vande Bharat Express train connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar to significantly transform travel across Jammu and Kashmir. This will be the first semi-high-speed train to operate in the Kashmir Valley, according to ET Now, and is expected to be officially launched within the next two weeks. The Northern Railway (NR) zone will operate and maintain the train. It is a significant step forward for Indian Railways in terms of regional integration, enhancing both tourism and economic activity in the Union Territory.

Indian Railways Brings Semi-High-Speed Connectivity to Kashmir

The Katra-Srinagar route will cover over 100 kilometres in under 2.5 hours, significantly reducing current travel times. As reported by The Financial Express, the train is set to depart from Katra at 08:10 AM and reach Srinagar by 11:20 AM. The return service from Srinagar will depart at 12:45 PM and arrive in Katra by 3:55 PM, operating six days a week.

This service fills a longstanding connectivity gap. Currently, there are no direct train services between Katra and Srinagar, and the new route will leverage the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The launch is pending final safety inspections by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), following multiple successful trial runs on the Katra-Reasi section.

17. India’s most beautiful train Vande Bharat Express on world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge.pic.twitter.com/vYQi5Ismux

— The Adventurous Soul (@TAdventurousoul) April 9, 2025

Katra–Srinagar Train Schedule, Fare, and Coach Details Revealed

The train, developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, has been specially customised to withstand the region's extreme temperatures and altitude challenges. According to The Economic Times, the compartments will include heating systems and specially designed water lines to prevent freezing, ensuring operational efficiency and passenger comfort.

While the final coach composition is yet to be confirmed, it is expected that the train will consist of 8, 16, or 20 coaches, offering both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car options. The fare is projected to range from INR 1500 to 1600 (EUR 15.75 to 17) for AC Chair Car and INR 2200 to 2500 (EUR 23 to 26) for Executive Chair Car, with stops at all major stations along the route.

Northern Railway to Operate First Vande Bharat in Kashmir Valley

The Vande Bharat Express initiative is anticipated to boost tourism, improve regional mobility, and enhance the economic prospects of the Kashmir Valley. As ET Now notes, the arrival of the train has already generated considerable excitement among travellers, with many calling for the service to begin as early as possible. This is the third Vande Bharat train for the Union Territory, following two previous services connecting New Delhi to SMVD Katra. The launch also forms part of the broader infrastructure vision to improve Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity with the rest of India through modern, sustainable rail solutions.

USBRL Project Enables High-Speed Rail Between Jammu and Srinagar

The final stages of preparation are in motion. The trial runs have been completed, and the train is now awaiting CRS clearance. Once this step is finalised, the exact launch date will be officially announced by Indian Railways.

The project is part of the government’s broader effort to extend high-speed rail services to remote and strategic regions, helping to unify the country’s rail network and bring advanced mobility solutions to historically underserved areas. With the successful launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, Indian Railways will not only enhance accessibility in Jammu and Kashmir but also set a new benchmark for railway development in high-altitude regions.

Sources: ET Now; The Financial Express; The Economic Times