New Indian Railways Launches Vande Bharat Service from Katra to Srinagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir on June 6. This significant 272-kilometer railway line will provide all-weather connectivity to the region, enhancing transportation and commerce. Alongside the railway link, PM Modi will also inaugurate the Chenab and Anji Khad railway bridges and launch two pairs of new Vande Bharat train services, which will commence operations on June 7, 2025.
Vande Bharat Express: New Train Services for Kashmir
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express trains marks a new chapter in Kashmir’s transportation landscape. These trains will operate six days a week, connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. Initially, the services will not extend to Jammu due to ongoing redevelopment work at the Jammu Tawi railway station under the Amrit Bharat station scheme. Once the redevelopment is complete, the Vande Bharat services will be expanded to include Jammu.
The first train, numbered 26401, will depart from Katra at 8:10 AM, reaching Srinagar by 11:08 AM, with a scheduled stop at Banihal at 9:58 AM. The return service, train number 26402, will leave Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrive back in Katra by 4:48 PM, stopping at Banihal at 3:10 PM. These services will operate daily except on Tuesdays.
Additional Vande Bharat Services: Timings and Routes
In addition to the first pair of Vande Bharat trains, a second set will also be introduced. Train number 26404 will depart from Srinagar at 8:00 AM, arriving at Katra by 10:58 AM, with a stop at Banihal at 9:02 AM. The return journey, via train number 26403, will start from Katra at 2:55 PM and reach Srinagar by 5:53 PM, stopping at Banihal at 4:40 PM. This second pair of services will run every day except Wednesdays.
The introduction of these trains is expected to significantly improve travel times and comfort for passengers, making it easier for residents and tourists to navigate the region.
Significance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link
The USBRL project is one of the most ambitious railway initiatives undertaken in independent India, costing approximately ₹43,780 crore. Spanning 272 kilometers, the railway line includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, showcasing remarkable engineering feats that traverse the challenging Himalayan terrain. This infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity but also promote tourism and commerce in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the notable structures on this route are the Chenab railway bridge, recognized as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad bridge, which is the first cable-stayed bridge in Indian Railways. The Vande Bharat Express trains are specifically designed to operate in severe winter conditions, capable of functioning at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Features such as heated windscreens and thermally insulated lavatories will ensure passenger comfort throughout the year.
The completion of the USBRL project is anticipated to transform the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, providing vital rail connectivity to previously isolated areas.
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