Planning Kashmir Vande Bharat Trip? You'll Have To Wait A Few Days As All Seats Are Booked
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The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials
The first two commercial Vande Bharat trains recorded 100% occupancy as services commenced on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated them.
A railways ministry official told News18 that both trains — one departing at 8.10 am and the other at 2.55 pm from Katra — were fully booked.
Another IRCTC official informed News18 that occupancy for the next three trips on these trains was also at 100% as of Saturday afternoon.
No vacancy
Train 20401 departs from Katra at 8 am. Occupancy for the next three trips on this train is 100%, with the waiting list reaching 60.
Train 20403 currently has a waiting list of over 50 passengers.
The trains will traverse scenic landscapes — from deep valleys to majestic mountain ranges — and are expected to boost tourism in the region.
Until Saturday, Srinagar lacked rail connectivity, with air and road travel being the only options. This has now changed with the completion of the missing rail link and the introduction of these trains.
The ministry official added that the overwhelming response reflects growing interest in improved connectivity and the potential of the trains to support regional tourism.
'With modern features and faster travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are expected to significantly improve passenger convenience and boost tourism in the valley," the official said.
On Friday, PM Modi inaugurated two Vande Bharat trains
Train 26401 will complete the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes, with chair car fares at Rs 715 and executive class at Rs 1,320. This train will depart from Katra at 8.10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11.08 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9.56 am.
On its return journey, the train will be numbered 26402. Chair car fares will be Rs 880 and executive class Rs 1,515. The train will depart from Srinagar at 2 pm and arrive in Katra at 4.58 pm, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 3.08 pm. Trains 26401/26402 will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.
Train 26403 will depart from Katra at 2.55 pm and arrive in Srinagar at 5.53 pm, completing the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes. The fare on this train will be Rs 660 for a chair car seat and Rs 1,270 for executive class.
The price difference compared to the first Vande Bharat train is due to a difference in catering charges.
From Srinagar, train 26404 will depart at 8 am and arrive in Katra at 10.58 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9 am. Fares will be Rs 715 for chair car and Rs 1,320 for executive class. Trains 26403/04 will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays.
The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials.
Offering scenic views and shorter travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are poised to become a vital link for both daily commuters and tourists in the region.
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