On June 6, 2025, a new era of connectivity and progress dawned on the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the much-awaited Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar. This semi-high-speed train, India’s 35th Vande Bharat service, is not just a transportation milestone but a lifeline for the people of the region, especially for pilgrims, tourists, and traders. For businesses like KashmirRentalCar.com, this development opens a host of new opportunities in tourism, last-mile connectivity, and premium transport services.
Historical Background & Strategic Importance
The Vande Bharat Express on the Katra–Srinagar route is a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)—a challenging and iconic railway engineering project that took nearly 25 years to complete. The USBRL includes 272 km of rail line with 38 tunnels and 900+ bridges, cutting through some of the world’s most rugged and unstable mountainous terrain.
Highlights of Katra to Srinagar Train journey:
- Chenab Bridge: World’s highest railway bridge at 359 meters above the river.
- Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.
- All-weather connectivity linking Jammu with Srinagar for the first time by rail.
New Katra to Srinagar Train– Route, Timings, & Operations
Quick Navigation
The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat covers approximately 250 km in just under 3 hours, drastically cutting travel time that usually takes 6-8 hours by road.
Katra to Srinagar Train Numbers & Schedule:
- Train 26401: Katra (Dep. 08:10 AM) → Srinagar (Arr. 11:08 AM)
- Train 26402: Srinagar (Dep. 02:00 PM) → Katra (Arr. 04:58 PM)
- Train 26403: Katra (Dep. 02:55 PM) → Srinagar (Arr. 05:53 PM)
- Train 26404: Srinagar (Dep. 08:00 AM) → Katra (Arr. 10:58 AM)
Katra to Srinagar Train Frequency:
- Runs 6 days a week (off on Tuesday and Wednesday alternately for maintenance).
Katra to Srinagar Train Major Stops:
- Katra, Reasi, Sangaldan, Banihal, Qazigund, Anantnag, Srinagar
BOOK TAXI CABS IN SRINAGAR
- Book you Cabs from Srinagar Railway Station Taxi
- Gulmarg to Srinagar Railway Station Taxi
Katra to Srinagar Train Fare Structure and Classes
- AC Chair Car: Approx. Rs. 660 – Rs. 715
- Executive Chair Car: Approx. Rs. 1320 – Rs. 1500+
Amenities in Katra to Srinagar Train:
- Rotating seats (Executive Class)
- LED infotainment displays
- CCTV surveillance
- On-board catering and pantry car
- Bio-vacuum toilets
- Individual charging points
Unique Technical Adaptations for Kashmir
This Vande Bharat train is designed to withstand extreme weather, especially the harsh winters of Kashmir:
- Thermal insulation to maintain internal temperatures.
- Heated windshields for operational efficiency during snowfall.
- Insulated toilet systems to prevent freezing.
- Anti-collision KAVACH technology for enhanced safety.
This is India’s first Vande Bharat train with such climate-specific adaptations.
Boost to Tourism, Economy, and Business
- Tourist Surge: Within days of launch, over 30,000 passengers had already booked tickets, many of whom were Vaishno Devi pilgrims, domestic tourists, and NRIs.
- Last-Mile Opportunity: Demand for station pickups, hotel drops, and sightseeing transfers will surge. Partnering with hotels and travel operators can add substantial B2B revenue.
- Package Integration: Offer bundled services like:
- Srinagar station pickup + Pahalgam/Gulmarg/Pampore day trips
- Vaishno Devi Darshan + Kashmir Holiday combo
- Luxury car upgrades for honeymoon couples or VIPs
- Cargo & Trade: Fruit traders and handicraft exporters can now move goods faster and more reliably year-round.