Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Train

The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat train is all set to begin its commercial operations on June 7, 2025, marking a historic milestone for railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this high-speed train is expected to drastically improve travel time and comfort for passengers in the region.

This is a significant current events topic for SSC aspirants, pertaining to Science & Technology, Infrastructure Development, and Indian Railways. Let’s understand everything in detail — from schedule to ticket booking, fare, stops, and significance.

Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Train: Key Details

Launch Date

• Inauguration Date: June 6, 2025 (Friday)

• Commercial Start Date: June 7, 2025 (Saturday)

Route & Timings

• According to Northern Railway’s new train service announcement:

• Two Vande Bharat Express trains will operate four trips daily on the Vande Bharat Express Jammu route, specifically between Katra and Srinagar.

Train 1:

• Departs Katra: 8:10 AM

• Arrives Srinagar: 11:08 AM

• Returns from Srinagar: 2:00 PM

• Reaches Katra: 4:58 PM

• Weekly Off: Tuesday

Train 2:

• Departs Katra: 2:55 PM

• Arrives Srinagar: 5:53 PM

• Returns Next Day from Srinagar: 8:00 AM

• Weekly Off: Wednesday

Ticket Fare & Travel Classes

Two travel classes are offered by the Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat train:

• Chair Car (CC): ₹715

• Executive Class (EC): ₹1,320

These fares make it a budget-friendly and fast alternative for tourists, pilgrims, and locals.

The chair car Vande Bharat fare is ideal for daily or short-term travelers, while the Executive Class Vande Bharat train provides premium comfort for longer or business journeys.

Travel Time & Stops

• Total Journey Duration: Around 3 hours

• Current Stop: Banihal station (the only stop as of now)

The Banihal stop Vande Bharat train makes is strategic, allowing access to the valley. More halts may be added based on passenger demand and route optimization.

IRCTC Train Booking Katra Srinagar

Tickets can be booked via the official IRCTC portal and mobile app after the official inauguration. The IRCTC train booking Katra-Srinagar section will show the newly listed Vande Bharat options.

SSC aspirants should note this point for exams under the Digital India initiative and railway modernization schemes.

Importance & Benefits of the Train

Regional Development

• This high-speed train in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a transport service; it’s a developmental leap for the region. Faster people's and things' movement guarantees more economic activity.

Tourism & Pilgrimage

• With Katra being the base for Vaishno Devi pilgrims and Srinagar being a popular tourist destination, this train will enhance religious and seasonal tourism.

Eco-Friendly Transport

• Being an electrically operated train, Vande Bharat supports the green initiative and reduces dependency on road-based transport in fragile mountainous ecosystems.

Srinagar Railway Station Schedule (Upcoming)

While the current Vande Bharat train stops only at Banihal, updates to the Srinagar railway station schedule are expected once more routes are operational.

The Srinagar station will likely become a key northern railway hub in the region.

Relevance for SSC Exams

This development touches upon multiple SSC-relevant topics:

Final Thoughts

The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat train is a symbol of India's goals to link with the rest of the world and an important step forward for Jammu and Kashmir.

Whether you're a traveler, a daily commuter, or an SSC aspirant, this is an update you must know and remember. It not only enhances tourism but also plays a critical role in economic integration and mobility in the valley.

For SSC, stay updated with such developments — they often come as current affairs MCQs, descriptive questions, or general knowledge references.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the travel time of the Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat train?

Ans. Approximately 3 hours.

Q2. How many Vande Bharat trains run between Katra and Srinagar?

Ans. Currently, two train sets operate, making four trips daily.

Q3. What is the fare for Chair Car and Executive Class?

Ans. ₹715 for Chair Car, ₹1,320 for Executive Class.

Q4. How to book tickets?

Ans. Visit the IRCTC website/app after the inauguration date (June 6, 2025).

Q5. Will the train stop anywhere between Katra and Srinagar?

Ans. As of now, only the Banihal stop is available.