Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” has always drawn travellers with its natural beauty and peaceful charm. The train journey from Delhi to Kashmir is not only a convenient travel option but also offers a glimpse into India’s stunning diversity. While there is still no direct train from Delhi to Kashmir, the journey has now become much easier. On June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express – the first train to directly connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
Earlier that day, PM Modi also inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir – the world’s highest arch railway bridge. He walked on the bridge carrying the national flag. Additionally, he inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge built over the Anji River. Let’s take a detailed look at the full train route from Delhi to Kashmir, including total travel time, train changes, and comparisons to earlier journeys.
Travel Time and Route from Delhi to Kashmir
Starting June 7, 2025, the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will operate, as officially flagged off by PM Modi. With this, you only need to change trains once to travel from Delhi to Srinagar by train.
So far, no train has directly run from New Delhi to Srinagar. Now, the key interchange point is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK), from where you can board a second train to reach Srinagar.
Delhi to Katra Journey Time
- Time Taken: Approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on the train.
- Fastest Trains:
- Jammu Rajdhani Express (12425)
- Vande Bharat Express (22439)
Katra to Srinagar Journey Time
- The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express takes about 3 hours.
Total Journey Time
Including transfer and waiting time at Katra (about 1–2 hours), the total journey from Delhi to Srinagar takes around 11 to 13 hours.
Also Read- India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Launch Soon: Know Key Route & Fare Details
Complete Route Overview
Part 1: Delhi to Katra
Major Stations:
New Delhi (NDLS) → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra Jn → Ambala Cantt → Ludhiana → Jalandhar Cantt → Pathankot Cantt → Jammu Tawi → Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
Major Trains on This Route:
- Jammu Rajdhani (12425):
Departs New Delhi at 8:40 PM, reaches Katra at 5:00 AM (next day). Runs daily. - Vande Bharat Express (22439):
Departs at 6:00 AM from New Delhi, arrives at 2:00 PM in Katra. Runs daily except Wednesday. - Malwa Express (12919):
Departs at 4:30 AM, arrives at 2:30 PM. - Uttar Sampark Kranti (12445):
Departs at 8:30 PM, arrives at 5:20 AM.
Part 2: Katra to Srinagar
Stations: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra → Banihal → Srinagar
Currently, two Vande Bharat Express trains are operating on this route:
- Train No. 26401:
- Departure: 8:10 AM from Katra
- Stop at Banihal: 9:56 AM (2 min halt)
- Arrival: 11:08 AM at Srinagar
- Train No. 26403:
- Departure: 2:55 PM from Katra
- Stop at Banihal: 4:40 PM (2 min halt)
- Arrival: 5:53 PM at Srinagar
With this improved rail connectivity, travelling from Delhi to Kashmir has become more convenient and faster than ever before.