New Delhi [India], June 5: The Northern Railway has announced the commencement of regular Vande Bharat Express train services between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra from June 7, operating six days a week and significantly improving connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage sites.
The route will be served by two pairs of Vande Bharat trains — Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402 — with scheduled halts at Banihal. These services will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays for maintenance.
Train Schedule Highlights:
- Train 1:
- Departs Srinagar: 08:00 hrs
- Stops at Banihal: 09:02 hrs
- Arrives Katra: 10:58 hrs
- Returns from Katra: 14:55 hrs
- Stops at Banihal: 16:40 hrs
- Reaches Srinagar: 17:53 hrs
- Train 2:
- Leaves Katra: 08:10 hrs
- Reaches Banihal: 09:58 hrs
- Arrives Srinagar: 11:08 hrs
- Departs Srinagar: 14:00 hrs
- Stops at Banihal: 15:10 hrs
- Arrives Katra: 16:58 hrs
This historic launch coincides with the completion of the Katra-Sangaldan rail link, a stretch that features the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and a monumental achievement in Indian railway engineering.
PM Modi to Flag Off Train on June 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Vande Bharat Express on June 6, marking a major milestone in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India’s railway network. Ahead of his visit, security has been intensified at Udhampur Railway Station.
Local Reactions: Joy, Pride & Hope
The inauguration has sparked widespread excitement among locals, who see the project as a symbol of development, peace, and opportunity in the region.
- Abdul Azeez Chandel expressed gratitude, saying, “It gives great comfort to the common people.”
- Kesar Singh, reflecting on past hardships, noted, “Nobody thought the train would come here. But now everything is good.”
- Chaudhary Ghulam Hussain added, “We want such projects in Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam… This will bring employment for our youth.”
- Kuldeep Kumar Sharma said emotionally, “It was a dream for us, but PM Modi made it a reality.”
The service is expected to boost religious tourism, enhance intra-regional mobility, and create employment opportunities — integrating Kashmir more closely with the rest of India and turning long-awaited infrastructure dreams into reality.