Indian Railways has officially opened bookings for the newly launched Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26401), operating between Katra and Srinagar. The high-speed train is a major step forward in enhancing rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and is expected to boost regional tourism.

Timings And Route

Train 26401 departs from Katra at 8:10 am and arrives in Srinagar by 11:20 am. On the return journey, it leaves Srinagar at 12:45 pm and reaches Katra at 3:55 pm. The service runs six days a week, with Tuesday as the non-operational day.

The only scheduled stop is at Banihal (BAHL), where the train halts for two minutes at 9:58 am. The route is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which includes the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge.

Fare And Booking

The train offers two classes: Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). The base fare is approximately Rs 555 for CC and Rs 1070 for EC, translating to about Rs 3 per km. However, final fares may vary, ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 1600 for CC and Rs 2200 to Rs 2500 for EC, depending on demand and booking conditions.

Tickets can be reserved via the IRCTC website or mobile app, with bookings available up to 120 days in advance.

Built For Kashmir’s Harsh Winters

Designed specifically for Kashmir’s severe climate, the train features 1800W silicon heating pads and self-regulating cables to prevent water systems from freezing.

It has a total capacity of 530 passengers, with one Executive Class coach and seven luxury Chair Car coaches. Travelling at speeds of up to 160 km/h, the Vande Bharat Express significantly reduces journey time, offering a 3-hour alternative to the 8 – 10 hour road trip.