• Source:JND
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Vaishno Devi To Kashmir Train Services:  The desire to witness the beauty of Kashmir valley by train has come true as railways has completed preparations to connect Kashmir with the rest of the country through the rail network. The Railway Safety Commissioner (CRS) has begun the final inspection, which is in its final stage.  It is expected that after the CRS's visit, an announcement regarding the operation of a train from Katra to Kashmir could happen at any time.

Just two days ago, the railway had run a full train on this track. On Tuesday, Railway Safety Commissioner Dinesh Chandra Deshwal conducted a trolley inspection of the 16.5 km track from Katra to Reasi. The CRS will today inspect the track from Katra to Banihal in Ramban using a special CRS train and return by the same route.

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Regular Train Service Between Banihal And Baramulla

Notably, regular trains are already running from Banihal to Baramulla in Kashmir. Before the trolley inspection, the CRS participated in a Havan and pooja at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station. He stated that the formation of a railway division in Jammu will connect a large network in Jammu and Kashmir. The track from Katra to Reasi is the final phase of the Udhampur-Shrinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.

The construction of the 3.2 km long T-1 tunnel in Katra had been delayed, but it was completed in December. The major obstacle in this tunnel under the Trikuta Mountains of Vaishno Devi was constant water seepage. The flow has now been diverted on both sides of the tunnel. During the journey, this tunnel will also be a centre of attraction for the passengers.

Katra-Srinagar Train Schedules Released

Katra is already connected to the rest of the country by rail. The railway has also released the schedule for three trains from Katra to Srinagar, including the Vande Bharat Express. The Vande Bharat train will complete its journey in about 3 hours and 10 minutes, while the Mail Express will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The Vande Bharat train will run six days a week. Currently, there are no plans for night trains.

The Vande Bharat will run six days a week, departing from Katra at 8:10 am and reaching Srinagar at 11:20 am.

The Mail Express will run every day, departing from Katra at 9:50 AM and reaching Srinagar at 1:10 PM. Another Mail Express will run daily, leaving Katra at 3:00 PM and arriving in Srinagar at 6:20 PM.

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Return Timetable

The Mail Express will depart from Srinagar at 8:45 AM and reach Katra at 12:05 PM.The Vande Bharat will depart from Srinagar at 12:45 PM and reach Katra at 3:55 PM. The other Mail Express will depart from Srinagar at 3:10 PM and arrive at Katra at 6:30 PM.