The Vande Bharat Express, India’s first semi-high-speed train, has now reached Kashmir, making train travel to the region much more accessible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express service between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, 2025. This launch marks a significant achievement following the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which is designed to enhance connectivity in the area.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express offers all-weather travel, reduced journey times, and modern comforts suited for the local climate, benefiting tourists, pilgrims, and residents. During the inauguration, officials introduced two Vande Bharat trains to connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, with regular services set to begin on June 7, 2025.
These new trains, designed for extreme winter conditions, include features like heated windshields and insulated restrooms. The trains will run six days a week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays set aside for maintenance.
Highlights from a memorable visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Bridge are transformative projects! pic.twitter.com/rfTtxYvo98
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2025
Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Timings
This train offers an efficient travel option between the two locations.
Train number 26401 departs Katra at 8:10 am and arrives in Srinagar by 11:08 am, making a stop at Banihal at 9:56 am. Its return service, 26402, leaves Srinagar at 2:00 pm and gets back to Katra by 4:58 pm.
Another service, train number 26403, operates in the afternoon, departing Katra at 2:55 pm and reaching Srinagar at 5:53 pm. The return trip, 26404, starts from Srinagar at 8:00 am, arriving in Katra by 10:58 am.
Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Ticket Pricing
Ticket pricing for the Katra–Srinagar route is INR 715 for an AC Chair Car and INR 1,320 for an Executive Chair Car each way.
For the Srinagar–Katra return journey, the fare is also INR 715 for an AC Chair Car and INR 1,320 for the Executive Chair Car.
From Katra to Srinagar, the AC Chair Car ticket costs INR 660, while the Executive Chair Car fare is INR 1,270.
This newly introduced express service significantly reduces travel time by nearly three hours compared to the previous seven-hour journey, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the region, including the impressive Chenab Bridge.
8. All Weather train movement – ice cutter installed in Vande Bharat trains to clear snow from tracks to allow better running. pic.twitter.com/oUGfbTy1X5
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 5, 2025
How To Book The Tickets
At present, the train is fully booked for the next 10 days; however, you can book the tickets on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and app.
