The Vande Bharat Express is set to operate in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off this special train on April 19, 2025. It will be the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. This marks a historic step in linking the Kashmir Valley directly to India’s rail network after a wait of 70 years.
Special Features and Route of Vande Bharat Express
This Vande Bharat Express has been specially designed to withstand the harsh winters of Kashmir. It features advanced anti-freezing technology, enabling smooth operations even in extreme cold. The train will start from Katra, pass through the Pir Panjal mountain range, and reach Baramulla in North Kashmir, providing crucial connectivity to the region.
Fare of Vande Bharat Express
Although the official fare for this route has not been announced yet, media reports suggest:
- AC Chair Car: ₹1,500 – ₹1,600
- Executive Chair Car: ₹2,200 – ₹2,500
This Vande Bharat Express, operated by Northern Railway, will feature an orange and brown color scheme. The train will start commercial operations from February 17.
Boost to Tourism and Economic Growth
The launch of this train aims to promote tourism, agriculture, industry, and education in Kashmir. It will provide year-round connectivity to the valley, boosting economic growth and creating new opportunities for locals.
At the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be joined by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
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Tunnels and Bridges Along the Route
The distance between Katra and Srinagar is 203 km, and the train will pass through 38 tunnels and 927 bridges.
- Longest tunnel (T-50): 12.8 km
- Total bridge length: 13 km
- Total tunnel length: 119 km (about half of the route runs through tunnels)
This semi-high-speed train will operate at 70-75 km/h. There will be seven stations between Katra and Srinagar:
- Reasi
- Sawalkot
- Sangaldan
- Ramban
- Banihal
- Qazigund
- Bijbehara
The Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week and will complete the 203 km journey in just 3 hours and 10 minutes.