Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat: fast travel & how to book your ticket

The wait is over. On June 06, 2025, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will begin operations. This train is set to change the way people travel between Jammu and Kashmir, making the journey faster, more affordable, and more reliable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this much-awaited train, marking the official start of direct rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. It’s a moment of pride for the region, which has long dreamed of a reliable train service.

Before the Vande Bharat Express, travel between Katra and Srinagar was a challenge for many. People had to rely on buses, cars, or flights, all of which came with their own set of problems. Road closures due to landslides, high costs, and long travel times made the journey difficult and unpredictable.

Ramesh, a business owner who frequently travels between Jammu and Srinagar, shares his experience. "I have to make this trip at least 5 to 10 times a month for my business," he says, his face showing the exhaustion of years of unreliable travel.

"The road journey between Jammu and Srinagar is long, tiring, and often dangerous, especially during the winters. There were times when I had to delay shipments, or worse, cancel my plans altogether due to roadblocks. Even flights weren’t always dependable. Now, with the new Vande Bharat Express, I can travel comfortably and reliably, and the time I spend on the road is drastically reduced. This train will save me so much time and stress, and I won’t have to worry about roadblocks or cancellations anymore."

With this new train, passengers will travel in comfort and safety. The Vande Bharat Express is expected to cut travel time from 7-8 hours to just 3 hours. This not only makes the journey faster but also more predictable.

The Katra-Srinagar train won’t just make life easier for passengers—it will also have a huge impact on the region’s economy.

Farooq Ahmad Khan, a shopkeeper in Jammu, says, "I have clients in Srinagar, and business travel was always difficult. The train will make it easier to transport goods and visit clients. It will save us both time and money."

Katra Srinagar Vande Bharat Timetable

For tourism, this new service opens up Kashmir to a broader audience. With more people traveling easily, the region can expect a surge in tourism. Kashmir, known for its stunning landscapes, will now be more accessible to tourists from across the country.

Farhan, a local travel owner, explains, "The Vande Bharat Express will bring tourists to Kashmir like never before. People used to avoid coming because the journey was long and tiring. Now, with the train, it’s a breeze. This will give a much-needed boost to our business."

One of the most exciting aspects of this new rail route is the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. Standing at 359 meters above the riverbed, this bridge is an engineering marvel. It stretches 1,315 meters across the Chenab River and connects the Katra-Srinagar route.

The bridge was built to withstand extreme weather, including wind speeds of up to 266 km/h. It’s a testament to India’s growing capabilities in modern infrastructure. The Chenab Bridge is more than just a structure; it’s a symbol of progress and connectivity.

Booking your ticket: How to get onboard

Booking a ticket for the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is easy. Passengers can book tickets online or offline. The train will be running daily services, making it simple for passengers to plan their travels.

Steps to book your ticket online:

1. Visit the IRCTC website or download the IRCTC app.

2. Enter your travel details—departure (Katra), destination (Srinagar), and travel date.

3. Select your preferred seat class: AC Chair Car (Rs 1,500-1,600) or Executive Chair Car (Rs 2,200-2,500).

4. Enter passenger details and make the payment.

5. Confirm your booking and get your e-ticket.

6. Visit the IRCTC website at irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC ticket booking app.

7. Select the 'Train' option and click on 'Book Ticket'.

8. Enter the 'From' and 'To' station names.

9. Click on 'Search Trains'.

10. Select the train named 'Vande Bharat Express'.

11. Choose your seat preference: Chair Car (CC) or Executive Chair Car (EC).

12. Fill in passenger details.

13. Complete the payment to confirm your booking.

For those who prefer to buy tickets in person, they can visit their nearest railway station and book tickets directly at the counter.

Katra Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Train Numbers 

Fare and timings

• AC chair car: Rs 1,500-1,600

• Executive chair car: Rs 2,200-2,500

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will run on a fixed schedule. The train will depart from Katra at 8:10 AM and arrive in Srinagar at 11:20 AM, providing a smooth and quick journey. On the return trip, the train will leave Srinagar at 12:45 PM and reach Katra at 3:55 PM.

This train is just the beginning. The success of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will likely lead to further investments in railway infrastructure in the region. With the opening of this rail link, Jammu and Kashmir will be better connected to the rest of the country, paving the way for more efficient transportation options in the future.

For now, the focus is on the immediate benefits this train brings to commuters. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to reduce travel time, improve safety, and open up new opportunities for business and tourism in the region.

The launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to connect all corners of the country. With this new service, Kashmir is no longer isolated but an integral part of the national network. For residents, businesses, and tourists alike, the train marks the start of a new chapter in the region’s growth and development.

The future of Jammu and Kashmir looks brighter than ever, and the Vande Bharat Express is the first step towards a more connected, prosperous region.

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