In a significant development, the Indian Railways on Saturday held the trial run of the first Vande Bharat train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar railway stations. The train is anticipated to pass through the iconic Anji Khad Bridge, which is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway bridge.

Built to endure the extreme cold of the Kashmir Valley, this unique Vande Bharat train marks a significant milestone in connecting the region to India’s leading semi-high-speed rail network. The new service is set to improve connectivity, promote tourism, and provide greater travel convenience for pilgrims, tourists, and local residents.

Commercial operations are set to begin in February this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the first journey during the first week of the month. The Railway Board is still finalising the precise date and time.

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What will be the ticket price of Vande Bharat from Katra-Srinagar?

Although the official ticket prices have not been confirmed yet, estimates indicate that fares for the AC Chair Car will be around Rs 1,500-1,600, while the Executive Chair Car tickets could range from Rs 2,200-2,500, providing passengers with a comfortable and luxurious journey through Kashmir’s stunning landscapes.

This new service is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, boosting tourism and offering a more convenient travel experience. With advanced features and reduced travel times, the Vande Bharat Express is set to revolutionize travel in the region.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had shared on Januray 23 that several countries have shown interest in importing the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains. He mentioned that even people of Indian origin abroad were eager to experience the train, with some children expressing their desire to ride in a Vande Bharat during visits to India.

Launched as a part of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Vande Bharat Express is India’s first indigenous semi-high-speed train. The first train was launched on February 15, 2019, between New Delhi and Varanasi, reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. During the financial year 2022-23, around 31.84 lakh passengers traveled on Vande Bharat trains, with an impressive occupancy rate of 96.62%.

The Vande Bharat trains are known for their superior amenities and safety features, including Kavach technology, accessible toilets for Divyangjan, and Braille signage. Indian Railways is also expanding its fleet with four new types of trains: Vande Bharat Chair Car, Vande Bharat Sleeper, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat. According to Vaishnaw, these trains will provide high-quality services to passengers across the country.

Also, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are nearing the end of its testing phase. The data is being analysed before production begins at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory.