Why This Rail Link Is a Game-Changer
Key Milestone: Completion of the USBRL Project
On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Chenab Arch Bridge—the world’s tallest railway bridge—which officially marked the completion of the 272 km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL)
The Vande Bharat Charm
Launch & Speed
Flag-off: June 6, 2025, at Katra.
Commercial service began June 7, 2025
Covers Srinagar ↔ Katra (~189 km) in approximately 3 hours, with high-speed running over the stunning Chenab and Anji Khad bridge
Service Frequency & Comfort
Six days a week (no service Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Two round-trips daily:
Train 1: Katra dep 8:10 AM → Srinagar 11:08 AM; returns at 2:00 PM → Katra 4:58 PM.
Train 2: Katra dep 2:55 PM → Srinagar 5:53 PM; returns next morning at 8 AM.
Ticket Fare
AC Chair Car (CC): ₹715
Executive Chair Car (EC): ₹1,320
Why Travelers Will Love It
Panoramic Himalayan Views: Travel through Pir Panjal peaks, cross world‑record bridges—every window frames epic scenery.
Year‑Round Reliability: Engineered with heated windscreens, thermal insulation, and anti‑freeze systems to endure temperatures as low as –20 °C.
Quick & Convenient: Cuts travel time dramatically compared to roads—once a 6–7‑hour arduous drive now done in 3.
Spiritual Link: Pilgrims can ride from Srinagar to Katra and onward to the Vaishno Devi shrine—sacred for both Lord Shiva and Maa Durga devotees.
What This Means for Connecting India
This rail link closes the final gap in the USBRL project and connects coveted destinations across Jammu & Kashmir. Soon, the train is expected to extend to Jammu Tawi, further integrating Jammu & Kashmir into India’s national rail grid
Planning Tips for Travelers
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Booking | Available via IRCTC, open after June 7. |
| 🧣 Weather | Srinagar can be chilly—pack layers, especially on the train. |
| 🧘♂️ Pilgrimage Planning | Consider same-day return or overnight stays—both Katra (Vaishno Devi) and Srinagar (Dal Lake) offer enriched itineraries. |
| 📅 Best Time | Summer (May–Sept): Optimal time for scenic comfort. Winters: Train’s designed for cold, but road linkages may be tougher. |
Conclusion
The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express isn’t just a train—it’s a transformational link weaving together pilgrimage, tourism, and local life. It marries spiritual journeys (Amarnath, Vaishno Devi) with scenic travel, all in the comfort and speed of India’s finest semi‑high‑speed train.
Moving forward, when someone mentions “train from Srinagar to rest of India,” you can confidently say: Yes, it runs now—and in style.
How to book Kashmir tour online along Train tickets?
Contact Brown Chinar at +91 6005039532/+91 9906188874 or Email us at brownchinartourtravels@gmail.com
