Srinagar, June 5 – In a historic step towards enhancing rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, regular services of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra are scheduled to commence on June 7, 2025. The initiative marks a major milestone for Indian Railways, integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national railway network through a high-speed, semi-bullet train service.
According to officials from the Ministry of Railways, the train will operate six days a week and significantly reduce travel time between the two key destinations. The route will cover the newly completed Banihal-Katra section, which includes the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and several complex tunnels, showcasing India’s advanced railway engineering.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Vande Bharat Express will feature air-conditioned coaches, GPS-based passenger information systems, onboard Wi-Fi, bio-vacuum toilets, and enhanced safety mechanisms. The train will have both executive and standard chair car options, offering a fast and comfortable journey to passengers.
The introduction of this service is expected to boost religious tourism, particularly for pilgrims traveling to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. It is also set to play a key role in the economic development of the region by providing a faster, more reliable mode of transport.
The train’s launch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and promote regional integration. The Vande Bharat Express is a flagship project under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, manufactured entirely in India to meet global standards of speed, efficiency, and comfort.
Earlier this year, a successful trial run of the train in the Valley drew positive public response, raising anticipation for the official launch. The Railways Ministry has expressed confidence that the service will be a game-changer for the Union Territory’s transport system.
With the start of Vande Bharat’s regular operations, Srinagar will join a select group of Indian cities with access to the country’s premium train service. The development is being seen as a significant step forward in connecting remote regions with mainstream India, both in terms of infrastructure and opportunity.
