Katra to Srinagar in Just 3 Hours: Vande Bharat Trains Begin Service from June 7

In a landmark development for Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure, two new Vande Bharat Express trains will commence operations between Katra and Srinagar from Saturday, June 7, 2025. With a swift travel time of just three hours, this high-speed rail service is set to dramatically improve connectivity between the spiritual town of Katra (Vaishno Devi) and the scenic capital of Srinagar, offering a modern, efficient, and comfortable option for both pilgrims and tourists.

PM Modi to Flag Off the Service

The Vande Bharat trains will be officially flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, marking a historic moment for the Kashmir Valley. From the next day, the services will be operational for the general public.

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These trains are seen as a major boost to regional integration, connecting the Kashmir Valley directly with India’s national rail network, made possible through the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

Train Timings and Fare Structure

The new service will operate six days a week, with each train having different operational days and timings.

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Train 26401 (Katra to Srinagar):

• Departure: 8:10 AM from Katra

• Arrival: 11:08 AM at Srinagar

• Stop: 2-minute halt at Banihal

• Fare: ₹715 (Chair Car), ₹1,320 (Executive Class)

• Off-day: Tuesday

Train 26402 (Srinagar to Katra):

• Departure: 2:00 PM from Srinagar

• Arrival: 4:58 PM at Katra

• Fare: ₹880 (Chair Car), ₹1,515 (Executive Class)

Train 26403 (Katra to Srinagar – Second Service):

• Departure: 2:55 PM from Katra

• Arrival: 5:53 PM at Srinagar

• Fare: ₹660 (Chair Car), ₹1,270 (Executive Class)

• Note: Lower fare due to reduced catering charges

• Off-day: Wednesday

Train 26404 (Srinagar to Katra – Return Trip):

• Departure: 8:00 AM from Srinagar

• Arrival: 10:58 AM at Katra

• Fare: ₹715 (Chair Car), ₹1,320 (Executive Class)

Boost to Tourism and Regional Growth

The Vande Bharat Express trains will not only make travel more accessible and time-saving for Vaishno Devi pilgrims and Kashmir-bound tourists, but they also represent a strategic leap in national integration and regional development. For the first time, high-speed rail will operate across the entire Jammu-Srinagar stretch, passing through the breathtaking Pir Panjal mountain range and scenic valleys, offering a unique travel experience.

This launch is expected to bring a surge in tourism, facilitate economic activity, and support local industries by improving access to remote regions.

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A New Era for Kashmir’s Rail Connectivity

Until now, railway services in the Kashmir Valley operated in isolation. The completion of the USBRL project has finally enabled full rail connectivity from the rest of India to Srinagar, making Kashmir an integral part of the national railway map.

With state-of-the-art trains like Vande Bharat now running in the region, Kashmir’s rail infrastructure enters a new era of high-speed connectivity, comfort, and convenience—signaling a significant achievement in India’s transportation and infrastructure goals.

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