Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Check All Routes, Expected Start Date, Stoppages and Other Key Details

Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is an upcoming semi-high-speed train service designed to enhance connectivity between the two key locations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The train will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar, drastically reducing the travel time to only about 3 hours from the current 8-10 hours.

The train is currently undergoing a successful trial run and is expected to begin operations in February 2025.

Vande Bharat Express was launched to boost tourism and provide reliable travel options to locals and tourists in the region.

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Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Overview

Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is an important new train service that will connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, marking the first semi-high-speed train in the Kashmir Valley.

This service aims to improve travel efficiency and shorten the journey time of approximately 150 kilometers to approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

The train is expected to start commercial operations in February 2025 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate it in the first week of the month.

The recent trial run demonstrated the train’s capabilities, successfully covering the route and demonstrating its advanced capabilities designed for cold climates. The train will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) and is expected to call at major stations such as Reasi and Banihal.

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Estimated opening date and timetable of train services

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to launch in February 2025 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the service in the first or second week of February. The exact date has not yet been set, pending confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Timetable and details

  • Trial run: The train was carried out on January 24 and 25, 2025 and has successfully passed all necessary tests, including the final run overseen by the Railway Safety Commissioner.
  • Inauguration plan: The Prime Minister will alight the train at Katra railway station after visiting key locations including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
  • Service details: The train operates six days a week and covers a distance of over 150 kilometers from Katra to Srinagar, taking approximately 2.5 hours. The flight will depart from Katra at 08:10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11:20 am. The return leg will leave Srinagar at 12:45 pm and reach Katra at 3:55 pm.

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Jammu to Srinagar train complete route and stops

Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express operates between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar to enhance connectivity in the region. Below are details about its routes, stops and timetables.

Routes and stops

The train will travel approximately 190 kilometers and is expected to stop at several major stations along the way, including:

  • Lacey
  • sangardan
  • Banihal
  • Qazigunde
  • anantnag
  • Propodia

These stops are aimed at improving travel convenience for passengers between Jammu and Srinagar, although the final list of stops will be confirmed by the Railways before the official launch.

schedule

The operational schedule of Vande Bharat Express is as follows:

  • Departure from SVDK: 08:10 AM
  • Arrival in Srinagar: 11:20 am
  • Departure from Srinagar: 12:45 noon
  • Arrival at SVDK: 03:55 PM

The timetable indicates that the total journey time from Katra to Srinagar is approximately 3 hours, which is a significant reduction in journey time compared to existing services.

fare

Although specific ticket prices have not yet been finalized, the expected price range is:

  • Air-conditioned chair car: Rs 1,500- Rs 1,600
  • Executive chair car: Rs 2,200- Rs 2,500

These prices reflect the luxury travel experience expected from this new service. The train’s first journey is expected to take place in February 2025 and is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region.

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What are the key features of Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar?

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is an important addition to the Indian Railways network, enhancing connectivity to the popular pilgrimage site of Vaishno Devi. Here are its main features:

speed and efficiency

  • Top speed: The train can reach a speed of 160 km/h, making it one of the fastest trains in India. However, for safety and efficiency reasons, operating speed is usually limited to 130 km/h.
  • Reduced travel time: It has significantly reduced travel time compared to the previous service, covering the distance between Katra and Srinagar in just a fraction of the time.

Modern facilities

  • Cars and seats: The train has 16 air-conditioned carriages, including two executive carriages, carrying a total of 1,128 passengers. The interior design is comfortable and the seating arrangement is spacious.
  • Advanced features: It includes automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets and GPS-based passenger information system to enhance the overall travel experience.

Security and Technology

  • Self-propelled system: The Vande Bharat Express operates on a self-propelled module that eliminates the need for a conventional locomotive, allowing for faster acceleration and deceleration.
  • Safety enhancements: The trains are equipped with the KAVACH system, collision avoidance technology, as well as improved fire safety measures and enhanced monitoring capabilities.

environmental considerations

The train is equipped with a regenerative braking system that can save up to 30% of electrical energy, making it environmentally friendly.

Catering and services

Each coach has a pantry offering hot meals and drinks to ensure passengers are comfortable during their journey. Additionally, in-flight Wi-Fi can be used for entertainment purposes.

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How does Jammu to Srinagar train compare with other Vande Bharat trains in India?

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, which will start operations from February 2025, introduces several unique features to differentiate it from the existing Vande Bharat trains in India.

Key Features of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

  • Cold climate adaptability: The train is specially designed to operate in the harsh winter conditions of the Kashmir Valley. It includes an advanced heating system to prevent the water and bio-toilet tanks from freezing, ensuring functionality in sub-zero temperatures.
  • Innovative safety features: The Katra-Srinagar route features a unique air braking system and warm air circulation, improving safety and comfort during travel in extreme weather conditions.
  • Engineering marvels on the line: The train will traverse major engineering feats including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, and the Angikad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. These features not only highlight India’s engineering capabilities but also enhance the travel experience.

Comparison with other Vande Bharat trains

  • Number of Services: The Katra-Srinagar route is the third route offered by Vande Bharat in Jammu and Kashmir after the two routes connecting Katra and Delhi. The expansion means there is a growing focus on improving connectivity in the area.
  • Travel Timings and Schedule: The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will cover over 150 km in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and its schedule is designed for convenience – departing from Katra at 8:10 am and 11 am :20 Arrive Srinagar. This journey time is competitive compared to other Vande Bharat services that generally offer similar rapid transit options.
  • Fares: While the final fares are yet to be decided, the fares are estimated to be Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,600 for the AC chair car and Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,500 for the executive chair car. This pricing strategy is designed to attract pilgrims and tourists to the area.

What benefits will the cold climate adaptability of trains bring to passengers?

The train’s cold climate adaptability significantly improves passenger safety, comfort and reliability in winter conditions. Here are the main advantages:

Security enhancement

  • Operational adjustments: Cold-weather trains can operate safely at lower temperatures, reducing risks associated with extreme cold, such as track buckling and switching mechanism failure. This adaptability helps prevent derailments and accidents, ensuring a safer travel experience for passengers.
  • Weather monitoring: Use advanced technology to conduct real-time weather monitoring and adjust train operations in a timely manner. This includes speed restrictions or service delays in response to adverse weather conditions, which can prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.

Improve comfort

  • Heating systems: Trains designed for cold climates often include enhanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems improve the overall passenger experience by maintaining a comfortable interior temperature even when conditions are harsh outside.
  • Snow and ice management: Adaptable trains are equipped with snow plows and other technology to clear ice and snow from the tracks. This proactive approach minimizes disruption and keeps passengers on a smooth journey.

operational efficiency

  • Reduce delays: By implementing effective winter preparedness strategies, such as pre-preparing contingency schedules and utilizing dedicated winter fleets, railroads can minimize delays caused by severe weather. This ensures that trains run on time and improves the reliability of passenger services.
  • Adaptation strategies: Railroads are increasingly taking measures such as using shorter rail segments that can expand and contract as temperatures change. This reduces maintenance requirements and increases the infrastructure’s ability to withstand extreme cold, resulting in fewer service interruptions.

Economic benefits

Sustainable transport: Cold climate adaptation helps increase the resilience of rail infrastructure, which is critical to maintaining connectivity in transport networks. This resiliency supports economic prosperity by ensuring reliable transportation options even during challenging weather conditions.

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