Katra to Srinagar in 3 Hours: New Vande Bharat Train Set for Kashmir Launch

While Vande Bharat trains already operate on 136 routes across India, the upcoming launch in Kashmir is set to be unique and significant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the special Vande Bharat chair car train on Saturday, connecting Katra to Srinagar in just three hours—a journey that typically takes six to seven hours by road.

A Railways Ministry official told News18 that Katra is well-linked to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kanyakumari via direct trains. "Passengers traveling to Kashmir can first reach Katra and then board this new Vande Bharat for a faster, more comfortable ride," the official said.

USBRL Project: A Long-Awaited Rail Link
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), conceived in 1994-95, has finally reached completion, enabling seamless train connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir. While the Qazigund-Baramulla stretch became operational in 2009, linking the Valley to the broader Indian railway network remained pending. Now, with the Anji Khand and Chenab bridges completed, trains can smoothly traverse the region.

Currently, trains run between Srinagar and Sangaldan, but with the Sangaldan-Katra section set to open this week, the route will expand further. The Prime Minister will inaugurate this segment alongside the Vande Bharat service.

Enhanced Security & Weather-Adapted Features
Given the region’s security sensitivities, the Railways plans extra security checks and passenger screening at Katra station.

Additionally, this Vande Bharat train has been specially modified for Kashmir’s harsh winters, featuring:
✔ Heated windshields
✔ Silicon heating pads in water and bio-toilet tanks
✔ Warmed plumbing pipelines
✔ Heaters in Indian-style toilets

These upgrades ensure year-round operation, even in sub-zero temperatures. The eight-coach train includes one Executive Class and seven AC Chair Car coaches.

Frequency, Stops & Ticket Prices
Initially, the train will run once daily, with possible increases based on demand. Stops include Reasi, Sangaldan, Banihal, and Anantnag, with no late-night services due to security considerations.

Chair Car: ₹1,000–₹1,500
Executive Class: ₹2,000–₹2,500

This high-speed, all-weather train marks a major leap in Kashmir’s connectivity, offering speed, comfort, and reliability for travelers.