Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Trains Fully Booked Till This Date As Demand Soars
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Kashmir is now connected by rail via the Chenab Bridge. Vande Bharat trains launch with full bookings, scenic views, and high demand, marking a new era in regional travel
A decades-old aspiration of Jammu and Kashmir has been fulfilled with the successful launch of rail services across the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, connecting Jammu and Kashmir to India's broader rail network for the first time. The development marks a significant infrastructural and symbolic milestone for the region.
Inauguration Of Vande Bharat Trains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express from the Chenab Bridge on June 6. The first two trains began public operations on June 7 and were fully booked.
A Ministry of Railways official told News18 that the first train departed from Katra to Srinagar at 8:10 am, followed by the second at 2:55 pm. Both services saw 100 per cent booking, with the next three journeys also completely reserved.
High Demand For Tickets
These Vande Bharat trains provide passengers with breathtaking views of deep valleys and majestic mountain ranges along the route, a feature expected to significantly enhance tourism in the region.
Travellers planning a journey to Kashmir or Katra may encounter delays due to the overwhelming demand for tickets. Train 20401, departing from Katra at 8:00 am, is fully booked for the next three days and currently has a waiting list of 60 passengers. Likewise, Train 20403 has a waiting list exceeding 50.
A New Era For Kashmir
The Ministry of Railways has expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic public response, reflecting growing interest in improved transport links and a bright outlook for regional tourism.
Vande Bharat Train Details
On Friday, the Prime Minister inaugurated two Vande Bharat services between Katra and Srinagar. These trains are engineered to cope with the region's challenging weather conditions. Train 26401 completes the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes.
Chair car tickets are priced at Rs 715, while executive class tickets cost Rs 1,320. The train departs Katra at 8:10 am, halts briefly at Banihal at 9:56 am, and arrives in Srinagar at 11:08 am.
On its return, the service operates as Train 26402, departing from Srinagar at 2 pm and reaching Katra by 4:58 pm, with a two-minute halt at Banihal at 3:08 pm. Trains 26401/26402 run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.
Another Vande Bharat service, Train 26403, leaves Katra at 2:55 pm and arrives in Srinagar at 5:53 pm, with a journey time of 2 hours and 58 minutes. Fares are slightly lower: Rs 660 for chair car and Rs 1,270 for executive class, due to differences in catering charges.
On the return route, the train operates as 26404, departing Srinagar at 8:00 am and arriving in Katra by 10:58 am, including a brief halt at Banihal at 9 am. Train numbers 26403/26404 operate six days a week, except Wednesdays.
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