The Vande Bharat Express began its commercial operations between Katra and Srinagar earlier this month. The train service has come as a major relief for travellers, especially as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway continues to face frequent landslides and incidents of shooting stones, often leading to road closures.
Officials said that while highway widening work is ongoing, the new rail link provides a safer and faster alternative.
As per the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) mobile application, seats on train number 26401—both chair car and executive class—are fully booked until the end of July. For most of this period, the booking status shows “regret,” meaning even the waiting list has exceeded its capacity. A similar situation exists for train number 26403, which is also booked out for July.
The two semi-high-speed trains depart from Katra at 8:10 am and 2:55 pm, reaching Srinagar at 11:08 am and 5:53 pm, respectively. They operate six days a week, with Wednesday as the non-operational day. On the return journey, the trains depart from Srinagar at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, arriving in Katra at 10:58 am and 4:58 pm.
Tickets for the return trains from Srinagar to Katra are also fully booked through July for both chair car and executive classes. Currently, passengers can only book tickets under the Tatkal quota.
The train service has gained immense popularity not only among locals, pilgrims, and tourists but also among politicians. Senior National Conference leaders, including party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have also availed themselves of the service.
Jammu Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar confirmed the high demand. “The trains on this route are receiving an overwhelming response. As things progress, we will explore options like increasing the frequency of trains,” he said.
In view of the huge passenger rush, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Union Territory Government would formally request the Railway Ministry to enhance the capacity on this route.
Tourism industry stakeholders have also called for increasing the frequency of these trains to accommodate more travellers.
