SRINAGAR, JAN 25 – The Indian Railways conducted the trial run of the first Vande Bharat train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, to Srinagar, marking a significant step in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country.
According to details the train departed Katra at 8 am, reached Anantnag around 10 am, and arrived in Srinagar by 11 am, crossing two iconic bridges en route—the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge at Sangaldan.
The Vande Bharat service, once fully operational, will cover the 800-km journey from Delhi to Srinagar in just 13 hours. The route will feature 90% tunnels, providing 24×7 connectivity even in tough terrains.
The train will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, stopping at key stations, covering approximately 190 kilometers in three hours.
Although the final ticket prices have not been disclosed, it is estimated that fares will fall between Rs 1,500-1,600 for AC Chair Car and Rs 2,200-2,500 for Executive Chair Car, promising a premium travel experience amidst the stunning landscapes of Kashmir.
