Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Launch Date, Ticket Prices, Route, Timings, Other Details Of Train Linking Jammu To Kashmir

February 17, 2025, will be etched in history when the first Vande Bharat Express is flagged off for Kashmir. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the most expensive railway project in India, will be formally inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Although the final ticket prices have not yet been officially announced, estimates suggest that an AC Chair Car ticket will cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,600, while an Executive Chair Car ticket is expected to be priced between Rs 2,200 and Rs 2,500. These fares may be revised once Indian Railways provides official confirmation.

The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), connecting several key stations along its route. Passengers can board the train at stations such as Katra, Udhampur, Banihal, Qazigund, Anantnag, and Awantipora. This rail link is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a seamless and comfortable journey for commuters.

As per the schedule announced by Northern Railway, the Vande Bharat Express will depart from Katra at 8:10 AM and arrive in Srinagar by 11:20 AM. On its return journey, the train will leave Srinagar at 8:55 AM and reach Katra at 12:05 PM.

A senior official stated that PM Modi will flag off the specially designed Vande Bharat Express from the Jammu region. The official added, "After decades of relentless effort, dedication, and engineering marvels, the dream of rail connectivity to Kashmir has finally come true. The Vande Bharat Express will soon operate on this historic route."

As part of the USBRL project, Indian Railways has conducted several successful trial runs, traversing some of the most iconic bridges in the country. Notably, the Chenab Bridge, standing at 359 meters, holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest railway bridge, even surpassing the Eiffel Tower. These infrastructural feats not only enhance regional connectivity but also showcase India’s engineering and technological prowess.

The official emphasized that the train is specially designed to operate efficiently on the Katra-Srinagar route, enduring harsh winter conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, "The train incorporates advanced climate-resistant technologies, including a specialized heating system to prevent water and bio-toilet tanks from freezing." Additionally, the air-brake system has been optimized to ensure smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures.

The Vande Bharat Express also includes heated windshields to automatically defrost the driver’s lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility in extreme winter conditions. Apart from these custom adaptations, the train will offer all standard Vande Bharat features, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, mobile charging sockets, and modern passenger amenities. This historic railway link will not only revolutionize travel in Jammu and Kashmir but also boost economic growth and tourism in the region.