Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-awaited Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar this Friday, marking a significant milestone in rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The Northern Railway has announced that the high-speed train will begin commercial operations for the public starting June 7.
Advance ticket bookings opened Thursday afternoon through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) portal. Two Vande Bharat Express train sets will operate on this route daily, completing four trips in total.
The semi-high-speed train offers two classes — Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC), with ticket prices fixed at ₹715 and ₹1,320 respectively. The service is aimed at providing a faster, more comfortable travel experience across the scenic route.
Train number 26401 will depart from Katra at 8:10 AM and arrive in Srinagar at 11:08 AM. It will return from Srinagar at 2:00 PM, reaching Katra by 4:58 PM. This service will not run on Tuesdays.
A second train, number 26403, will leave Katra at 2:55 PM and reach Srinagar by 5:53 PM. The return journey is scheduled for the next morning at 8:00 AM. This service will not operate on Wednesdays.
Initially, the trains will halt only at Banihal, with additional stops to be considered in the future based on demand and operational feasibility.
An IRCTC official confirmed that passengers will be served vegetarian meals featuring a mix of local Kashmiri delicacies, enhancing the onboard experience.
To withstand the region’s extreme winters, the trains are equipped with anti-freezing technology for bio-toilets and water systems. Coaches include heating systems suitable for sub-zero temperatures, 360-degree rotating seats, and charging ports for passenger convenience.
According to the Railway Ministry, this new link is expected to greatly benefit pilgrims heading to prominent shrines such as the Kheer Bhawani Temple, Martand Sun Temple, and those undertaking the Amarnath Yatra — thereby providing a boost to religious tourism in the region.
