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Good news for travellers heading to Kashmir! The Vande Bharat Express, Train No. 26401, will soon begin its regular service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar from June 7. This new high-speed train promises a comfortable and quick journey and is now open for booking. With beautiful views, modern design, and fast travel, this train is expected to boost tourism and offer a better travel option in Jammu and Kashmir, especially for pilgrims and nature lovers.
Route and Timings
The Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week, except Tuesdays. The train leaves from Katra at 8:10 am and reaches Srinagar by 11:20 am. On its return journey, it departs from Srinagar at 12:45 pm and arrives in Katra at 3:55 pm. It has only one stop along the way-Banihal-where it halts for two minutes at 9:58 am.
This service is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which also includes the famous Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge.
Fare and Booking Details
Passengers can choose between two types of seating: Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). The base fare is Rs 555 for CC and Rs 1070 for EC, which is about Rs 3 per km. Depending on demand, the final fare may range from Rs 1500 to Rs 1600 for Chair Car and Rs 2200 to Rs 2500 for Executive Chair Car.
You can book your tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app. Bookings are now open and can be made up to 120 days in advance.
Designed for Kashmir's Cold Weather
The train is specially made to handle the harsh winter weather of Kashmir. It has 1800W silicon heating pads and self-regulating cables to stop the water systems from freezing. The train can carry up to 530 passengers and has one Executive Class coach along with seven Chair Car coaches.
Faster Travel, More Comfort
This train is a big relief for those who often travel between Katra and Srinagar. The journey that usually takes 8 to 10 hours by road will now take just 3 hours. Running at speeds up to 160 km/h, it offers a much faster, safer, and more comfortable option.
With its modern features and quick journey time, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to become a popular choice for both tourists and local passengers in Jammu and Kashmir.
