Vande Bharat Express Set to Begin Commercial Services Between Katra and Srinagar from June 7; Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate New Route
The highly anticipated Vande Bharat Express service connecting Katra to Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir is all set to commence commercial operations from June 7, according to an official announcement made by Northern Railway on Thursday.
This development marks a significant milestone in improving high-speed rail connectivity in the Union Territory, promising both convenience and comfort to passengers traveling along this scenic route.
The prestigious train service will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, in a move being viewed as a major infrastructural achievement under his government.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to underscore the government’s continued focus on integrating Jammu and Kashmir more effectively with the rest of the country through modern transportation solutions.
Following the formal flag-off by the Prime Minister, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will activate the online ticket booking system for passengers via its official platform.
According to railway officials, the train schedules and fare options will become visible on the IRCTC website and app for booking after the launch.
Two Train Sets, Four Daily Trips
According to Northern Railway authorities, two separate Vande Bharat train sets will be deployed to ensure four trips daily between Katra and Srinagar, offering flexibility and multiple travel options to commuters.
Each train set will consist of two classes of travel:
- Chair Car (CC) with a ticket price of ₹715
- Executive Class (EC) with a ticket cost of ₹1,320
These fares are designed to cater to both budget-conscious passengers as well as those seeking a more premium travel experience. Each train is equipped with modern facilities such as onboard infotainment, GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and better seat ergonomics.
Detailed Timings and Operational Days
The first Vande Bharat train will depart from Katra at 8:10 AM and is scheduled to reach Srinagar by 11:08 AM, completing the journey in approximately three hours.
The return journey of the same train will begin from Srinagar at 2:00 PM, arriving back in Katra at 4:58 PM. However, this particular service will remain non-operational on Tuesdays to allow for routine maintenance and scheduling requirements.
The second Vande Bharat train will operate in the afternoon, leaving Katra at 2:55 PM and reaching Srinagar by 5:53 PM. The return journey for this train will take place the following day, departing Srinagar at 8:00 AM.
This service will not run on Wednesdays, again allowing for technical servicing and upkeep.
Stoppages and Future Plans
At present, the trains will only halt at Banihal station en route between Katra and Srinagar, allowing for a non-stop high-speed journey for most of the route.
However, railway authorities have indicated that additional stoppages may be introduced in the future based on passenger demand and operational assessments.
An official from Northern Railway said, “The launch of this route is a historic moment for the region. It is not just about connecting two cities — it’s about fostering greater mobility, economic development, and national integration.
This is just the beginning, and we expect to expand the service with more stops and enhancements in the months to come.”
Symbol of Progress in J&K
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express in this region is being hailed as a significant boost to both tourism and local business. Katra, which is known as the base for pilgrims visiting the revered Vaishno Devi shrine, and Srinagar, the cultural and economic heart of Kashmir, are both expected to benefit immensely from this new high-speed connection.
The state-of-the-art train is not only a symbol of technological advancement but also a statement of the government’s commitment to uplift infrastructure in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, which have long required robust transport links to encourage development and integration.
With sleek design, faster travel time, and improved passenger amenities, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine how people experience rail travel in the region, promising a blend of speed, safety, and sophistication.
