Vande Bharat Train to Srinagar Likely to Be Flagged Off This Week

The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat train service is to be inaugurated this week, marking the first-ever rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.

The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra to Srinagar is expected to be inaugurated this week, marking a significant milestone as the Kashmir Valley prepares to be linked by rail to the rest of India for the first time. 

The launch of the high-speed train service was initially scheduled for April 19 but was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Officials now indicate that the green signal for operations could come within days.

In a key development last month, Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of a special train carrying soldiers on the Katra–Qazigund section, which includes the iconic Chenab Bridge — the world's highest railway arch bridge. This trial signified the near completion of the last stretch of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

As per a central government official, the trains and the security apparatus are in place for operation. The Vande Bharat train earmarked for the route has been specially equipped for the region’s demanding conditions, featuring heating systems for cold climates, anti-spall panels for enhanced safety, and automatic doors for passenger convenience.

The 272-km USBRL project, which includes 119 km of tunnels, has been hailed as an engineering marvel. Besides the Chenab Bridge, it also features the Anji Khad Bridge — another landmark structure. The entire rail corridor has been constructed at a cost of ₹42,930 crore.

The inauguration of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will mark a new chapter in the region’s connectivity and economic integration, opening up new avenues for travel, tourism, and trade in Jammu and Kashmir.