Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat launch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off two special Vande Bharat trains on Friday, which will run on Katra-Srinagar-Katra route in Jammu and Kashmir. These new trains will reduce travel time approximately by 2 to 3 hours and provide all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The passengers taking the train will travel over some of India’s most remarkable railway structures, including the Chenab bridge and the Anji Khad bridge. This fully electrified 272-km railway line will pass through 36 tunnels and 943 bridges across the challenging Himalayan terrain.
The Northern Railway officials have confirmed that passengers will now be able to book tickets by visiting the IRCTC portal. The advance booking for the same has already started from Thursday afternoon. This high-speed, semi-luxury train will also offer modern comforts that are suited to the region’s weather conditions.
8. All Weather train movement – ice cutter installed in Vande Bharat trains to clear snow from tracks to allow better running. pic.twitter.com/oUGfbTy1X5
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 5, 2025
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat trains: Ticket Price
Passengers will need to pay Rs 715 for a Chair Car ticket and Rs 1,320 for the Executive class.
Connecting Kashmir: Vande Bharat Train Timings
As per Northern Railway, the two Vande Bharat trains will provide four trips daily on this network. Train number 26401 will start from Katra at 8:10 AM and will reach Srinagar by 11:08 am. On this return journey, the train will leave Srinagar at 2:00 PM and will arrive at Katra at 4:58 PM. This service will not operate on Tuesdays.
Another service, train number 26403, will depart from Katra at 2:55 PM and will arrive at Srinagar at 5:53 PM. On its return journey, the train will arrive in the early morning at 8:00 AM from Srinagar. This service will not be available on Wednesdays.
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat trains: Where are the stoppages?
As of now, the train stoppage is scheduled at Banihal, additional halts are expected to be added later.
The Vande Bharat trains on this railway link are specially designed for all-weather operations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has posted a video and shared that an ice-cutter has been installed to remove snow tracks for uninterrupted travel. ‘’All-weather train movement,’’ he mentioned.
The train is equipped with heating systems, charging points, and 360-degree rotating seats. An IRCTC official confirmed to PTI that passengers will be served vegetarian meals, including local delicacies, to enhance the travel experience. The new service is expected to boost cultural and religious tourism.