- By Nidhi Giri
- Tue, 15 Apr 2025 01:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Katra To Srinagar Train: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Vande Bharat chair car for Kashmir on Saturday, April 19. The train will cover the Katra-Srinagar distance in just three hours. This will be the final phase of the Katra Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar Baramulla rail link (project). After this, the rail connectivity from Kanyakumari to Kashmir will be completed. The journey from Katra to Srinagar takes about six to seven hours by road. The project is 272 km long from Katra to Sangaldan.The train will pass through India's first cable-stayed railway bridge Anji Khad Bridge and the world's highest railway bridge Chenab Bridge. This bridge connects the railway route from Delhi to Kashmir via Katra.
So far, trains are operational between Srinagar and Sangaldan railway stations. Now, with the completion of the section between Sangaldan and Katra, the trains will operate between these areas. Trials have been underway for the past several weeks on the section.
Two Vande Bharat Express To Run
The Executive Director of the Railway Board said that on the date of commencement of the project, we have planned to run two Vande Bharat Express trains. One Vande Bharat Express train will run from Srinagar, and the other will run from Katra to Srinagar.
On January 23, Indian Railways conducted a trial run of the first Vande Bharat train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) railway station to Srinagar railway station. The train has been designed keeping in mind the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir valley.
Route Of Vande Bharat Express
Vande Bharat Express will depart from Katra Railway Station and will reach Srinagar via Reasi, Sangaldan, Banihal, Kanjigund and Anantnag.
No Direct Trains From Delhi Yet
At present, there will be no direct train from Delhi or other major cities to Kashmir. Passengers will need to switch trains at Katra to continue their journey to the Valley.
Railway officials have confirmed that once expansion work at the Jammu railway station is completed—expected by July-August 2025, a direct train service from Jammu to Kashmir will be launched.
High-Advanced Train Design For Harsh Winters
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is specially designed to function in extreme winter conditions. Built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the train can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees C.
It features:
- Advanced heating systems for passenger comfort.
- CCTV cameras and emergency talk-back units for safety.
- Shatterproof windows and anti-frost windshields to ensure clear visibility.
These upgrades make the train capable of providing reliable service throughout the year, even during heavy snowfall and freezing conditions.
Boost For Kashmir’s Economy
The new railway line is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Kashmir by promoting tourism, horticulture, agriculture, and industry.
With all-weather rail connectivity, the region will no longer be reliant on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, which often closes due to landslides and heavy snow. This improved transport infrastructure will also reduce the cost of moving goods, enhancing trade and supporting local businesses.
“This rail link is more than just a transport route, it’s a lifeline for Kashmir’s economic growth and better quality of life,” a senior railway official said.
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express marks a historic milestone, offering faster travel, economic opportunity, and year-round access to and from the Kashmir Valley.
(With Agency Inputs)
