 Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 1: A landmark in rail connectivity is on the horizon as Northern Railways announces the first-ever train timings for direct services between Katra and Srinagar. The introduction includes Vande Bharat trains and Mail/Express services, as per an official communication from Northern Railways.
The new train service will connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar railway station, operated and maintained by the Northern Railway (NR) zone. Notably, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will be the first semi-high-speed train to serve the Kashmir Valley.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to revolutionize rail travel in the region, enhancing passenger convenience while stimulating tourism and economic growth. Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, this train will cover a distance of over 100 kilometers in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The train’s schedule indicates a departure from SVDK at 8:10 AM, arriving in Srinagar at 11:20 AM. For the return journey, the train will leave Srinagar at 12:45 PM and reach SVDK by 3:55 PM. The service will operate on the USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project and is expected to run six days a week.
Designed to withstand the region’s extreme climatic conditions, the Vande Bharat Express for J Northern Railways has announced the first-ever train timings for direct services between Katra and Srinagar.
The new train service will connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar railway station.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will be the first semi-high-speed train to reach Kashmir.
This train will cover a distance of over 100 kilometers in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The train’s composition has not been finalized but is expected to include 8, 16, or 20 coaches. Unlike other premium trains, it will not follow a dynamic fare structure. Ticket prices are estimated to be between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,600 for AC Chair Car and Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,500 for Executive Chair Car.
Currently, Northern Railways is conducting trial runs on the Katra-Reasi section of the USBRL project. Following these trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will inspect and review the tracks. Upon CRS approval, the date and time for the train’s official launch will be finalized.
The Vande Bharat Express is designed to make stops at all major stations en route, ensuring accessibility for passengers along the way.
The introduction of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express marks a significant step in improving connectivity between the two cities. It will not only benefit travelers and pilgrims but also strengthen the region’s economic prospects. The eagerly anticipated service is expected to launch soon, bringing with it unparalleled convenience and efficiency for rail passengers. | 