A Milestone in Connectivity
On the vibrant morning of June 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM IST, the Katra railway station in Jammu and Kashmir buzzed with excitement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flanked by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, waved the green flag to launch the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. This semi-high-speed train, the first to connect the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley, is not just a mode of transport but a transformative force, slashing the six-hour road journey to a mere three hours. For the people of the region, this train is a lifeline, a symbol of unity, and a testament to India’s relentless pursuit of progress.
The 272-kilometer journey from Katra to Srinagar is a spectacle of engineering brilliance, weaving through the rugged Himalayan landscape. The route, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, features 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers and 943 bridges. Among them stand two iconic structures, inaugurated by PM Modi earlier that day:
- Chenab Railway Bridge: Soaring 359 meters above the riverbed, this is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, an architectural masterpiece that defies gravity and geography.
- Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, a marvel of modern engineering that blends strength with elegance.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is a showcase of cutting-edge technology and passenger comfort, designed to tackle the unique challenges of the Himalayan region. Its standout features include:
- Heated Windshields: Ensuring clear visibility in freezing temperatures, a critical feature for winter operations.
- Seismic Dampers: Providing stability and safety in a region prone to seismic activity.
- Snow-Clearing Systems: Enabling uninterrupted service during heavy snowfall, a common challenge in the Kashmir Valley.
- Kavach Safety System: An indigenous automatic train protection system that enhances safety by preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations.
- Bio-Vacuum Toilets: Eco-friendly and hygienic, offering a modern travel experience.
- Panoramic Windows: Large, reinforced windows that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape while ensuring safety.
- Reclining Seats and Infotainment: Ergonomic seats with adjustable reclining and onboard entertainment systems for a comfortable and engaging journey.
- High-Speed Wi-Fi: Keeping passengers connected even in remote areas.
- Climate-Controlled Cabins: Maintaining optimal temperatures inside the train, regardless of the harsh external weather.
These features make the Vande Bharat Express not just a train, but a mobile sanctuary designed for comfort, safety, and reliability.
- First Rail Link Between Jammu and Kashmir Valley: This is the first direct train service connecting the spiritual hub of Katra, home to the Vaishno Devi shrine, with Srinagar, the heart of the Kashmir Valley.
- Extreme Terrain Navigation: The route’s 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, including the world’s highest railway arch bridge, make it one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring rail journeys in the world.
- Cultural and Economic Bridge: By connecting Katra, a major pilgrimage destination, with Srinagar, a tourism and trade hub, the train fosters cultural exchange and economic growth, boosting tourism and local businesses.
- Winter-Ready Design: Unlike most trains, this Vande Bharat Express is equipped to operate flawlessly in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring year-round connectivity in a region known for harsh winters.
- Eco-Conscious Engineering: The train’s energy-efficient design and bio-vacuum toilets reflect a commitment to sustainability, minimizing its environmental footprint in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
A Seamless Travel Experience
Operating six days a week, the train runs in two pairs—26404/26403 and 26401/26402—with a stop at Banihal. The fare for the AC Chair Car starts at ₹660, with plans to introduce an Executive Chair Car soon, offering enhanced luxury at a higher price point. The train’s speed and efficiency cut the Katra-Srinagar journey from six hours by road to just three hours, making it a game-changer for commuters, tourists, and pilgrims alike.
A Dream Decades in the Making
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is the culmination of the ambitious USBRL project, first envisioned in 1983 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Declared a national project in 2002, it faced decades of slow progress due to the region’s challenging terrain and geopolitical complexities. The project gained momentum after 2014, with key sections completed in phases. The final stretch, from Banihal to Sangaldan, was finished earlier this year, unlocking the potential for this historic rail link.
For now, the train operates between Katra and Srinagar due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Jammu railway station. Once the Jammu yard expansion is complete, the route will extend to Jammu and eventually connect to Delhi and beyond, integrating the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India like never before.
A Symbol of Unity and Aspiration
As the Vande Bharat Express glided out of Katra station on June 6, 2025, it carried more than passengers—it carried the dreams of a region. This train is a bridge across valleys, rivers, and communities, knitting together the spiritual fervor of Katra with the serene beauty of Srinagar. It promises economic growth, easier access to pilgrimage and tourism sites, and a stronger sense of connection between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, engineering marvels, and a vision for sustainable progress, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is more than a train—it’s a journey toward a united, thriving future. As it speeds through the Himalayas, it tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation on the move.