Lagatar24 Desk
Jammu and Srinagar: The eagerly awaited Vande Bharat Express, set to connect Jammu’s Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to Srinagar, is poised to transform rail travel in the region. This new service will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), offering passengers a world-class travel experience.
Route and Launch Details
Covering over 150 km, the Vande Bharat Express will connect SVDK and Srinagar in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. Slated to commence commercial operations in February 2025, the train boasts a sleek orange-and-grey design. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the train’s first journey in the first week of February, though the Railway Board is yet to confirm the final schedule.
Train Schedule
• Departure from SVDK: 08:10 hrs
• Arrival at Srinagar: 11:20 hrs
• Departure from Srinagar: 12:45 hrs
• Arrival at SVDK: 15:55 hrs
Manufactured by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the train offers cutting-edge technology and high-speed comfort, reducing travel time significantly.
Ticket Pricing
While official ticket prices are yet to be announced, preliminary estimates suggest the following costs:
• AC Chair Car: ₹1,500–1,600
• Executive Chair Car: ₹2,200–2,500
Boost to Tourism and Connectivity
This Vande Bharat service, the third in the region, is expected to bolster connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar while promoting tourism in Kashmir. With state-of-the-art amenities and a focus on passenger comfort, the train promises to redefine the travel experience in the valley.
