Jammu, June 8 – The Northern Railways officially launched commercial operations of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar on Saturday, marking a historic step in connecting Kashmir to the rest of India through rail.
The high-speed train service, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, began its regular passenger service with enthusiastic participation from travelers. Passengers on board expressed excitement and joy, many noting that they had long awaited the opportunity to travel to Kashmir by train.
Officials reported that the inaugural day of operations was smooth, with the trains reaching their destinations on time. The overwhelming public response led to most seats being booked within hours of the train’s inauguration, reflecting the high demand for this route.
According to Northern Railway authorities, two Vande Bharat Express trains completed four trips throughout the day on the Katra-Srinagar corridor. The trains feature two classes of travel: Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC), with ticket prices set at ₹715 and ₹1,320, respectively.
This development is seen as a major milestone in improving connectivity and promoting tourism in the Kashmir Valley, offering faster, more comfortable travel for residents and visitors alike.