In a historic development set to transform rail connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the region is all set to receive its first Vande Bharat Express, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to flag off the Katra–Srinagar service on June 6. This marks a major milestone not just in regional transportation but also in the broader integration of the Union Territory with India’s rapidly advancing high-speed rail network.
The semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express, known for its state-of-the-art design, speed, and passenger comfort, will operate between Katra—home to the Vaishno Devi shrine—and Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The launch is a part of the central government’s ongoing efforts to bolster infrastructure and improve connectivity in the Himalayan region. Once operational, the Vande Bharat Express will significantly reduce travel time, enhance safety, and offer world-class amenities to passengers. With features like automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and airline-style seating, the train is expected to offer a premium travel experience to both pilgrims and tourists.
The launch also symbolizes a technological and logistical achievement, given the challenging terrain and complex engineering involved in bringing electrified, high-speed rail services to the Kashmir Valley. The train will traverse through the recently completed sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes India’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River—another engineering marvel.
Officials from Indian Railways have confirmed that all necessary trials and safety clearances have been completed ahead of the inaugural run. The service will initially operate on a six-day-a-week schedule, with stops expected at key stations such as Banihal, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Baramulla in the future. This flagship initiative is expected to boost tourism, trade, and economic activity in the valley, making travel to and from Kashmir faster, more efficient, and more reliable. It also reinforces the central government’s commitment to infrastructural development and socio-economic upliftment in Jammu & Kashmir. The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express not only marks a new chapter in the region’s transportation history but also reflects a larger national vision—one that aims to connect the farthest corners of India through cutting-edge, indigenous rail solutions.
