Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: A New Era for Jammu and Kashmir
Indian Railways is set to launch the Vande Bharat Express service to Jammu Tawi Station on March 1st. This move comes after numerous requests from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The train’s configuration is also being upgraded from 8 cars to 20, which means more seats and comfort for passengers.
Previously, the Vande Bharat train only ran between Katra and Srinagar. The delay in reaching Jammu Tawi was due to station development work that is now nearly complete. Now, the travel time from Jammu to Srinagar will be reduced to about 4 hours and 50 minutes, with an impressive average speed of over 55 km/h. Currently, this journey takes almost 8 hours.
According to a report from Indian Express, reconfiguring the train yard was essential for launching services from Jammu Tawi. Although the full redevelopment of the station is still ongoing, the crucial infrastructure for the Vande Bharat train has been finalized, enhancing passenger comfort. The Vande Bharat will also make stops at Bajalta and Ramnagar, alongside its current stops at Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, Banihal, and Srinagar.
Security measures are in place for trains traveling to and from Srinagar; they underwent additional checks at Katra in the past.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL), connecting Kashmir to the rest of India, was fully operational as of June 6, 2025, after a 42-year wait. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the last section, linking Katra to Sangaldan, completing this monumental project.
These improvements not only shorten travel times but also boost tourism and economic activity in the region. With faster and more reliable train services, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a more connected and accessible Jammu and Kashmir.
For more details, you can read the original report from Indian Express.
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