Indian Railways (IR) is ready to transform travel in Jammu & Kashmir with the introduction of the region’s first Vande Bharat Express train. This semi-high-speed train will operate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to Srinagar, ensuring that passengers will experience travel like never before. The train will operate on the prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, another milestone in the railway infrastructure of India.

Kashmir’s First Vande Bharat Train Scheduled for April 2025 Launch

The Vande Bharat Express between Katra to Srinagar will be operational in 2025, as per the latest updates. The train, painted orange and grey, will first operate between Katra and Srinagar; later, the route will be extended to Jammu Tawi eventually enhancing rail connectivity in the area.

Benefits: Travel Between Jammu & Srinagar Will Be Faster Than Ever

This project’s greatest benefit is its ability to drastically reduce the travel time between Jammu and Kashmir. At present, the road journey between these two major cities takes 6-7 hours based on traffic and other factors. However the Vande Bharat Express will reduce this journey to 3 hours.

Route and Stations: Major Stops on the Vande Bharat Express

The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat train will have 18 railway stations for the convenience of the travelers from different towns and cities. Major stations on the route are:

• Reasi
• Bakkal
• Dugga
• Sawalkote
• Sangaldan
• Sumber
• Khari
• Banihal
• Hillar Shahabad Halt
• Qazigund
• Sadura
• Anantnag
• Bijbehara
• Panzgam
• Avantipora
• Ratnipora
• Kakapora
• Pampore

Such kind of travel networks will ensure high-speed access to the residents of Kashmir Valley.

Train Composition: Total Number of Seats and Travel Comfort

The Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Srinagar will be equipped with eight coaches aimed at economy and high-end travelers. The breakdown includes:

• 1 Executive Class Coach – Reclining seat with generous legroom to enjoy a luxurious travel experience.
• 7 AC Chair Car Coaches – Boosting comfort for passengers at a reasonable price.

Passengers enjoy smooth and efficient journeys with the 530 passenger capacity.

Improving Tourism and the Economy in Jammu & Kashmir

The introduction of India’s first Vande Bharat Express in Kashmir is expected to greatly increase tourism and the economy in this region. Every year, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra attracts countless pilgrims and the newly improved rail infrastructure will ease their travel. In addition, increased transportation will motivate more tourists to visit the beautiful sites of Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg.

USBRS Railway project is strategically significant for Indian Railways as it enhances their connectivity in one of the country’s most difficult regions. Introduction of Vande Bharat Express also displays India’s endeavor to renew their railway infrastructure and strengthen the travel experience for passengers.

The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is no ordinary train. The introduction of this particular service marks the beginning of progress and elevation for Jammu & Kashmir. As the region’s first express service, it boasts of high speed travel, reduced journey time, and smooth sailing amenities which surpass all other means of transport.

The roll-out of Vande Bharat in Kashmir is an important landmark, as it signifies advancement in India’s smarter and faster rail travel development. Once the USBRL project is completed, the dream of uninterrupted train connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar will come true.