The Northern Railways finally started running Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar on a commercial basis on Saturday.
When the first Vande Bharat train, carrying 530 people, blew the whistle at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi railway station on Saturday morning, it signaled the start of a journey to Kashmir that would pass through three main geological thrust zones: Reasi, Murrie, and Panjal, as well as numerous engineering wonders.
Vande Bharat Katra- Srinagar: Key Highlights
| Key Point | Details |
| Route Start Date | June 6 |
| Launched By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Route | Katra to Srinagar |
| Distance Covered | 189 km |
| Distance Breakdown | 111 km (Katra to Banihal), 78 km (Banihal to Srinagar) |
| Departure Time | 8:10 AM from Katra |
| Total Trips Per Day | 4 trips (2 train sets, up and down) |
| Number of Coaches | 8 coaches pulled by electric engine |
| Special Features | Passes through 27 tunnels and 49 bridges, including Chenab and Anji Khad bridges |
| Geological Zones Covered | Reasi, Murrie, Panjal |
| Ticket Price – Chair Car (CC) | ₹715 |
| Ticket Price – Executive Class (EC) | ₹1,320 |
Vande Bharat Katra to Srinagar Timing
On a historic journey, eight coaches of Vande Bharat were pulled by an electrically powered engine at precisely 8:10 am from Katra to Srinagar railway station, a distance of 189 kilometers.
According to officials, the trains arrived at their destinations by dusk, marking a successful first day of commercial operations.
The majority of the seats were reserved within hours of the train's debut, indicating the high level of public interest, they added.
Vande Bharat Katra to Srinagar Started on…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Vande Bharat Express train from Katra on June 6 to link Kashmir with the rest of the nation.
Two Vande Bharat train sets traveled between Katra and Srinagar four times during the day, according to Northern Railway.
Vande Bharat Katra to Srinagar Ticket Price
Tickets for the train's two travel classes, Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC), cost Rs 715 and Rs 1,320, respectively.
| Travel Class | Ticket Price (INR) |
| Chair Car (CC) | ₹715 |
| Executive Class (EC) | ₹1,320 |
Vande Bharat Katra to Srinagar Special Features
Cost: The 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla train Link (USBRL), which was constructed at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, includes the Katra–Srinagar train route as a significant component.
Heating System to Combat Cold Region: The train has been built to withstand the difficult terrain of the area with heated windshields, sophisticated heating systems, and insulated restrooms.
Smooth Travel: According to officials, seismic dampers have been installed to absorb vibrations and provide a safer and smoother travel experience in this high-risk area. In the winter, a snow removal locomotive engine will advance to clean the tracks.
