Kashmir Gets Its First Vande Bharat Express

Kashmir Gets Its First Vande Bharat Express: High-Speed Rail from Katra to Srinagar Begins

In a historic milestone for Indian Railways and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the region welcomed its first-ever Vande Bharat Express—a semi-high-speed train connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. The train began operations on June 7, 2025, marking a significant enhancement in regional connectivity and comfort for passengers and tourists alike.

The Train No. 26401 Vande Bharat Express departs from Katra at 8:00 AM and reaches Srinagar by 11:00 AM, covering a distance of 190 km in just 3 hours. The service will run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, allowing passengers to plan their journeys with flexibility and ease.

Fare Structure:

• Chair Car: ₹715 (excluding GST and booking charges)

• Executive Class: ₹1320 (excluding GST and booking charges)

Tickets are available on the IRCTC website and app, and as per railway norms, bookings can be made up to 120 days in advance, providing travelers with long-term planning options.

This semi-high-speed train not only strengthens tourism in the Kashmir Valley but also signals the growing modernization and expansion of India’s rail network. The Vande Bharat’s introduction in this sensitive region is being seen as a major boost to regional integration, economic opportunity, and faster mobility.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the newly launched Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar:

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Advantages:

1. Faster Travel Time
   – Covers the 190 km journey in just 3 hours, saving passengers significant time compared to traditional trains or road travel.

2. Boost to Tourism
   – Connects major pilgrimage and tourist spots, likely increasing footfall in Katra and Srinagar, and boosting the local economy.

3. Enhanced Comfort
   – Being a semi-high-speed train, it offers modern facilities like comfortable seating, onboard services, and clean interiors.

4. Improved Regional Connectivity
   – Strengthens transport infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, promoting development and integration with other parts of India.

5. Advance Booking Option
   – Tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance, giving passengers the flexibility to plan their trips ahead of time.

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Disadvantages:

1. Limited Operating Days
   – The train does not operate on Tuesdays, which may inconvenience passengers needing daily travel options.

2. High Fare for Executive Class
   – At ₹1320 (excluding GST and charges), the Executive Class fare may be expensive for average passengers.

3. Possible Weather Disruptions
   – Given Kashmir’s terrain and climate, heavy snowfall or landslides could disrupt the schedule during winter months.

4. Limited Stops
   – Being an express service, the train may not stop at smaller stations, affecting accessibility for people in remote areas.

5. Initial Ticket Rush
   – As this is a new service, demand may exceed supply, making it harder to secure tickets, especially during peak travel seasons.