Indian Railways is set to introduce a new Vande Bharat Express train for the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir. This semi-high-speed train will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar railway station. According to a report in ET Now, the Northern Railway (NR) zone will be responsible for its maintenance and operation. The introduction of this train will be a significant addition to the rail network in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will be the first semi-high-speed train for the Kashmir Valley and the third for Jammu. Previously, two Vande Bharat Express trains were launched for connecting the UT: train number 22439/22440 for New Delhi-SMVD Katra and train number 22478/22477 for SMVD Katra-New Delhi. This new train will enhance connectivity and revolutionise rail travel in the region, boosting tourism, improving passenger experience, and stimulating economic growth in the valley.
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Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express launch date: Schedule and timings
Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the Katra-Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express will cover over 100 kilometers in less than 2.5 hours. Currently, there are no direct train services linking the two capital cities of the Union Territory. The train is expected to depart from SVDK at 08:10 AM and reach Srinagar at 11:20 AM. The return journey will depart from Srinagar at 12:45 PM and arrive at SVDK at 3:55 PM. It will run on the USBRL project route.
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Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express launch date: Coach composition
The composition of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express train is yet to be finalised, but it is anticipated to consist of 8, 16, or 20 coaches. The train will offer two types of accommodations: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car.
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express launch date: Ticket prices and stoppages
It will operate six days a week, with the fare expected to range from Rs 1500-1600 for the AC Chair Car and Rs 2200-2500 for the Executive Chair Car. The train will also make stops at all major stations along the route.
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Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express launch date: Launch date
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is expected to be launched soon. Currently, multiple trial runs are being conducted on the Katra-Reasi section of the USBRL project. Once these trials are completed, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will inspect the track works, and upon approval, the launch date will be finalised.
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ICF has specially designed the Vande Bharat Express for Jammu and Kashmir to ensure smooth operations in the region’s challenging temperatures and altitudes. The train will feature heating facilities in the compartments and water lines to prevent freezing, ensuring passenger comfort in the harsh climate of the area.
