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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to take place from Katra to Srinagar on April 19, with the inauguration ceremony at the Vaishno Devi.

The introduction of Vande Bharat Express is designed to promote tourism and provide reliable travel options for locals and tourists in the region.

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Overview of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

Source: Times of India

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

The train will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Connection (USBRL), and within about 2 hours and 30 minutes, the distance between Shri Mata Vaishno devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar is more than 150 km.

This service will increase travel efficiency, thereby reducing travel time to about 2.5 to 3 hours for a distance of about 150 kilometers.

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

Recent tests have proven the functionality of the train, successfully covering the route and showing its advanced features designed for cold climates. The train will run on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and is expected to stop at key sites such as Roasi and Banihal.

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Start date and schedule for train services

Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to launch on April 19, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to open.

Timetable and details

  • Trial Operation: Performed from January 24 to 25, 2025, the train has successfully passed all necessary tests, including the final run monitored by the Railway Safety Specialist.
  • Inauguration Plan: The Prime Minister will publicize trains from Katra Railway Station after visiting major locations including Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge.
  • Service details: The train will run six days a week, covering over 150 kilometers between Katra and Srinagar. It will leave Katra at 08:10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11:20 am, return trip to Srinagar at 12:45 pm and then return to Katra before 3:55 pm.

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Complete route and stoppage trains to Srinagar

Srinagar Vande Bharat Express’s Jamu sets it to enhance connectivity in the region, running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar. Here are the details about their routes, stops and schedules.

Route and Stop

The train will cover about 190 km and is expected to stop at several key stations along the route, including:

  • Reasi
  • Buckkar
  • Dujia
  • Sawalkote
  • Sangaldan
  • Sumbar
  • Kari
  • Banihal
  • Shahbad Hillhalt
  • Qazigund
  • Sadora
  • Anantnag
  • Bijbehara
  • panzgam
  • awantipora
  • Ratnipora
  • Kakapola
  • pampore

schedule

Vande Bharat Express will operate on the following schedule:

  • From SVDK: 08:10 AM
  • Arrival in Srinagar: 11:20 am
  • From Srinagar: 12:45 pm
  • Arrival SVDK: 03:55 pm

The schedule shows that the journey from Katra to Srinagar is about 3 hours, with a significantly reduced travel time compared to existing services.

fare

Although the exact fare has not been determined, it is estimated that the fare range is:

  • AC chair car: €1,500-€1,600
  • Execution chair car: Rs 2,200 – Rs 2,500

These prices reflect the luxury travel experience expected by this new service. The first trip of the train is expected to take place in February 2025, with great expectations for promoting tourism and economic activities in the region.

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What are the main characteristics of Katra of Srinagar Vande Bharat Express?

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is an important complement to the Indian railway network, enhancing connectivity with the popular Vaishno Devi pilgrimage sites. This is its main feature:

Speed ​​and efficiency

  • Maximum speed: The train can reach speeds up to 160 km/h, making it one of the fastest speeds in India. However, for safety and efficiency, the operating speed is usually limited to 130 km/h.
  • Reduce travel time: It greatly shortens travel time, and there is very little distance between Catra and Srinagar compared to previous services.

Modern facilities

  • Coach and Seat: The train consists of 16 air-conditioning coaches, including two executive class coaches, and a total of 1,128 passengers. The interior is designed for spacious seating arrangements.
  • Advanced features: It includes automatic doors, biovika toilets and a GPS-based passenger information system to enhance the overall travel experience.

Safety and technology

  • Self-promotion system: Vande Bharat Express runs on the self-promotion module, eliminating the need for traditional locomotives, allowing for faster acceleration and slowdown.
  • Safety enhancement: Trains are equipped with Kavach systems, collision avoidance technology, as well as improved fire safety measures and enhanced surveillance capabilities.

Environmental considerations

The train has a regenerative braking system that saves up to 30% of electricity, thus contributing to its environmental protection.

Catering and Service

Each coach has a pantry that offers hot meals and drinks to ensure passenger comfort while on the go. In addition, airborne Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes.

Design and technology

The Jamu on the Srinagar Vande Bharat train is designed to withstand the challenging winter conditions of Jamu and Kashmir. Key enhancements include:

  • Advanced heating system to prevent the tank from freezing.
  • The embedded heating element in the windshield is to thaw automatically.
  • Special climate-related characteristics ensure optimal operation even at subzero temperatures

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

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will begin operations in February 2025, introducing some unique features that are distinct from the existing Vande Bharat trains in India.

Key Features of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

  • Cold climate adaptability: This train is specially designed to operate in the harsh winter conditions of the Kashmir Valley. It includes an advanced heating system to prevent water and biomaterial tanks from freezing to ensure lower than zero function.
  • Innovative Safety Features: Katra-Srinagar Service includes a unique air brake system and warm air circulation for increased safety and comfort during travel in extreme weather conditions.
  • Engineering surprise on the route: The train will cross important engineering expertise, including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge of India’s first cable TV railway bridge. These features not only highlight India’s engineering capabilities, but also enhance the travel experience.

Compare with other Vande Bharat trains

  • Number of services: The Katra-Srinagar route marks the third Vande Bharat service of Jamu & Kashmir, after two routes connecting Katra to Delhi. This expansion shows that there is an increasing focus on improving connectivity in the region.
  • Travel time and schedule: Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will cover 150 km above 150 km in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and its schedule is designed for convenience – Katra was expelled at 8:10 am and arrived at Srinagar at 11:20 AM. This travel time is competitive compared to other Vande Bharat services, which usually offers similar fast shipping options.
  • Air ticket pricing: Although the final fare has not been confirmed, the estimated fare will be in the Rs 1,500-rupee range of AC Chair Cars, ranging from Rs 2,200-rupee to Rs 2,500 for execution chair cars. This pricing strategy is designed to attract pilgrims and tourists to the area.

Improve comfort

  • Heating system: Trains designed for cold climates usually include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems maintain a comfortable internal temperature even when external conditions are tight, improving the overall passenger experience.
  • Snow and Ice Management: Adaptive trains are equipped with snow plows and other technologies to clean up ice and snow. This proactive approach minimizes interference and maintains a smooth journey for passengers.

Operational efficiency

  • Reduce delays: By implementing effective winter preparation strategies, such as pre-prepared emergency schedules and leveraging dedicated winter fleets, railways can minimize delays due to adverse weather. This ensures that training runs on time, thereby improving the reliability of passenger service.
  • Adaptation strategies: Railroads are increasingly taking measures, such as using shorter sections of railways that can expand and shrink with temperature changes. This reduces maintenance needs and increases infrastructure resilience to extreme cold, thus reducing service disruptions.

Economic benefits

Sustainable Transport: Cold climate resilience helps more resilient rail infrastructure, which is essential to maintain connectivity in transportation networks. This resilience can support economic prosperity by ensuring reliable transportation options even in challenging weather conditions.

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