Srinagar — The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra officially commenced regular operations on Saturday, marking a significant development in the transportation landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The new rail service is poised to transform the way passengers travel between the two regions, cutting journey times dramatically and offering modern conveniences along the way.
With this launch, residents of the Kashmir Valley, devotees headed to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine, and tourists visiting the region can now reach Katra from Srinagar in just three hours—a remarkable reduction from the six to seven hours typically required by road. The service is being seen as a critical enabler of improved connectivity, economic activity, and cultural exchange.
Regular Service Across Six Days a Week
The Northern Railway has confirmed that the semi-high-speed trains will run six days a week on the newly inaugurated Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar route. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains—numbered 26404/26403 and 26401/26402—will operate on this corridor. Scheduled halts are planned at Banihal, a key junction linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
This milestone comes in the wake of the successful completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL) project, a major engineering accomplishment that included the construction of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. This feat has enabled seamless rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct regions.
The newly introduced Vande Bharat trains serving the Srinagar–Katra route are specially engineered to handle the harsh winter climate of the region. These trains incorporate several advanced technologies to ensure uninterrupted operations even in snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Among the features are advanced heating systems, thermally insulated lavatories, heated windshields, and defrosting technology that enhances driver visibility. This equipment allows the train to maintain performance and comfort levels through the region’s challenging winter months, when conventional rail services often face disruptions.
Prime Minister’s Inauguration of the Historic Service
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run of these new Vande Bharat Express trains, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation links and promoting socio-economic integration in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the event, officials highlighted the significance of the USBRL project, which has now been fully realized after years of technical and geographical challenges. The introduction of the Vande Bharat service on this line represents the culmination of decades of planning and engineering ingenuity. Until now, the railway network in Jammu and Kashmir remained divided, with services confined to the Banihal–Baramulla section in the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu–Udhampur–Katra section in the Jammu region. The new through-service provided by Vande Bharat Express effectively bridges this gap, allowing for continuous rail travel across the entire state.
This advancement offers substantial benefits to both local residents and visitors. For residents, it means quicker access to religious, medical, educational, and commercial centers. For pilgrims traveling to the Vaishno Devi shrine, the reduced travel time enhances the convenience and accessibility of their journey.
The introduction of a premium, fast rail service is also expected to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The state’s natural beauty, religious sites, and cultural attractions will now be easier to reach for domestic and international travelers alike. Tour operators and local businesses anticipate an uptick in tourist footfall, especially during peak seasons. Enhanced rail connectivity also facilitates smoother movement of goods and services, which is likely to contribute positively to the region’s economy.
Passengers on the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express can expect a superior travel experience, with the trains offering an array of premium onboard amenities. The semi-high-speed trains are equipped with comfortable seating, modern lighting, large panoramic windows, infotainment systems, and catering services, designed to provide a pleasant and efficient journey. The trains’ design emphasizes passenger comfort and safety, with built-in systems for real-time monitoring, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets. The focus on reliability and speed ensures that passengers can plan their trips with greater confidence and fewer disruptions.
Strategic Implications for Regional Development
The operationalization of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra carries broader implications for regional integration and development. Improved transportation links foster greater inter-regional mobility, facilitating the flow of people, ideas, and commerce across Jammu and Kashmir.
The project also symbolizes the central government’s strategic emphasis on enhancing connectivity in border and remote regions, viewed as critical for national integration and security. Infrastructure investments of this scale are expected to yield long-term socio-economic dividends by making remote areas more accessible and economically viable.
The success of this initiative is deeply intertwined with the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, a project that has faced formidable challenges since its inception. The 272-kilometer line traverses some of the most difficult mountainous terrain in the country, requiring the construction of numerous tunnels and bridges. The standout achievement of this project is the Chenab Bridge, which spans the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Rising 359 meters above the riverbed, it is recognized as the highest railway arch bridge in the world and is a testament to Indian engineering excellence. With the full integration of this line into the national rail network, Jammu and Kashmir is now more connected to the rest of India than ever before.
Reactions from Local Communities and Officials
Initial reactions to the launch of the Vande Bharat service have been overwhelmingly positive. Residents of both Jammu and Kashmir see the move as a step toward greater inclusion and opportunity. For many, the reduced travel time represents not just convenience, but also access to employment, healthcare, and education previously out of reach. Railway officials have also emphasized the potential for the new service to ease road traffic on the heavily traveled Jammu-Srinagar highway, particularly during the winter months when weather-related disruptions are common. Local leaders have voiced support for continued investments in rail infrastructure, urging further expansion of high-speed and semi-high-speed services to other parts of the state.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
The successful launch of the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express has sparked discussions about the future of rail services in Jammu and Kashmir. Railway planners are already evaluating possibilities for extending similar services to other key destinations in the region, including Leh, Kupwara, and Poonch, once technical and logistical hurdles are addressed.
There are also calls to explore the integration of freight services on the new rail corridor to further boost the region’s economic prospects. Enhanced freight capacity could help local industries, including handicrafts, horticulture, and agriculture, access larger markets across India. The launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure. It bridges longstanding divides, enhances connectivity, and opens new avenues for growth and development. As the trains roll out on their regular schedule, they carry with them the promise of a more connected, dynamic, and integrated future for the region and its people.
