Vande Bharat Express Kashmir: Good news for train travellers. The Vande Bharat train is set to traverse the stunning valleys of Kashmir very soon, fulfilling a 70-year-old aspiration for the region. This will mark the first time the Vande Bharat train reaches Kashmir, establishing a rail connection between the valley and the rest of the country. The inaugural journey is scheduled for April 19, when the train will travel from Katra in Jammu to the valley.
As per report, the first Vande Bharat service will operate between Katra and Srinagar on April 19, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi officiating the launch. Prior to this, the Prime Minister will visit the Chenab Bridge. The train will journey through the Pir Panjal mountain range, connecting Katra in the Reasi district to Srinagar and then on to Baramulla in North Kashmir. This will be a historic moment as it will be the first train to operate within the Kashmir Valley. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will join the Prime Minister for the flag-off ceremony. Currently, the train operates between Sangaldan and Baramulla.
While there were hopes for a direct Vande Bharat service from Delhi to Kashmir, the railways have confirmed that there will not be a direct train connecting the valley to Delhi or other parts of the country at this time. Travelers heading to Kashmir will need to disembark at Katra station and switch trains to continue their journey to Srinagar. The train will depart from Katra, navigating the Pir Panjal Mountain Range to reach Baramulla in North Kashmir.
Train Fare
The Vande Bharat train, part of the Udhampur-Baramul Rail Link Project, will offer three classes: AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, and AC 3 Tier. However, the railway has yet to announce the official fare. According to ET Now, the ticket prices for this Vande Bharat service between Katra and Srinagar are expected to range from Rs 1500 to Rs 2000. The AC chair car fare is anticipated to be between Rs 1500 and Rs 1600, while the executive chair class may cost between Rs 2200 and Rs 2500.
What Makes This Train Unique?
Passengers traveling on this Vande Bharat train to Kashmir can enjoy a variety of amenities, including heaters, comfortable seating, and charging points. Additionally, the train is equipped with CCTV cameras, an emergency talk-back unit, shatterproof windows for enhanced visibility, and an anti-frost windshield.