Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express 2025: Powerful Features, Ticket Price, Timings, Route & Booking Details for a Seamless Travel Experience
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Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express : In a landmark move to boost connectivity and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains on the Katra-Srinagar-Katra route. This launch marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to bring high-speed, modern, and all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. These semi-high-speed trains are expected to cut travel time by 2-3 hours and offer passengers a luxurious and efficient travel experience amidst breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
🚄 Vande Bharat Katra-Srinagar Express
Route: Katra – Srinagar – Katra
Railway Zone: Northern Railway
Total Distance: 272 km (fully electrified route)
Terrain: Himalayan, with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges
Special Highlights: Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge
🎫 Ticket Prices for Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Trains
Passengers can now book their tickets online via the IRCTC portal. The fare is kept affordable and transparent for both classes:
Chair Car (CC): ₹715
Executive Class (EC): ₹1,320
🕒 Train Timings and Frequency
Two Vande Bharat services will operate four trips daily, catering to both morning and afternoon travelers:
🔹 Train No. 26401 (Katra to Srinagar)
Departs Katra: 8:10 AM
Arrives Srinagar: 11:08 AM
Return Journey:
Departs Srinagar: 2:00 PM
Arrives Katra: 4:58 PM
Non-operational on:Tuesdays
🔹 Train No. 26403 (Katra to Srinagar)
Departs Katra: 2:55 PM
Arrives Srinagar: 5:53 PM
Return Journey:
Departs Srinagar: 8:00 AM
Non-operational on:Wednesdays
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
🛑 Stoppages of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat
Current Stop: Banihal
Additional halts are expected to be introduced based on passenger demand and operational feasibility.
❄️ All-Weather Rail Operation: Engineered for Kashmir
These Vande Bharat trains are specially designed for extreme weather conditions:
Snow-cutter Equipment: Clears snow from the tracks
Heating Systems: Keeps the coaches warm in freezing temperatures
Catering: Vegetarian food options, including Kashmiri cuisine, served onboard
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video showcasing the snow-clearing mechanism on X (formerly Twitter), ensuring year-round connectivity to Kashmir, a long-pending demand of the region’s residents and tourists.
🕌 Boost to Tourism and Regional Development
The launch of this route is more than just a transport upgrade. It is expected to:
Promote religious tourism in Katra (Vaishno Devi) and Srinagar (Hazratbal, Shankaracharya Temple, etc.)
Increase cultural tourism through better access to Kashmiri heritage
Enhance employment and economic opportunities in the region
Provide safe and efficient travel for locals and tourists alike
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is a transformative project bringing modern rail infrastructure to one of India’s most scenic yet challenging regions. By blending comfort, speed, and cutting-edge engineering, this new train service is poised to redefine travel in Jammu and Kashmir—offering not just convenience, but also a deeper connection between people, places, and possibilities.
