Early Times Report
Jammu, June 8: The newly inaugurated Katra-Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express trains have witnessed an unprecedented booking frenzy, with all seats sold out until June 10-12, 2025, just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the transformative Srinagar-Jammu rail link to the nation on June 6, 2025.
The high-speed rail service, designed to enhance connectivity between the pilgrimage hub of Katra and the scenic Kashmir Valley, has captured the attention of travelers, particularly pilgrims and tourists, despite recent challenges to the region’s tourism sector.
The two Vande Bharat trains, numbered 26401 and 26403, have become the preferred choice for many, with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) mobile app reporting no available seats in either the Chair Car (CC) or Executive Class (EC) categories. Train 26401 is fully booked until June 12, while train 26403 has no availability until June 10. The rapid sell-out reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the rail link, which offers a faster, more comfortable, and reliable travel option compared to road journeys, which can be unpredictable due to weather and traffic conditions in the region.
The trains commenced operations on Saturday, June 7, with both the 8:10 AM and 2:55 PM departures from Katra running on schedule and arriving in Srinagar without delays. Railway officials noted that the services operated at full capacity over the weekend, with a significant portion of passengers being pilgrims returning from the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Katra, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The shrine attracts millions of devotees annually, and the new rail link is expected to further boost religious tourism by providing seamless access to Kashmir’s attractions.
The surge in bookings is particularly noteworthy given the recent decline in tourist traffic to Kashmir following a terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent military skirmishes between India and Pakistan. These events had raised concerns about safety, leading to a temporary dip in visitor numbers.
However, the strong demand for the Vande Bhar The high-speed rail service has captured the attention of travelers, particularly pilgrims and tourists, despite recent challenges to the region’s tourism sector.
The two Vande Bharat trains, numbered 26401 and 26403, have become the preferred choice for many.
Train 26401 is fully booked until June 12, while train 26403 has no availability until June 10.
The rapid sell-out reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the rail link, which offers a faster, more comfortable, and reliable travel option compared to road journeys.
The Vande Bharat Express, India’s indigenously developed semi-high-speed train, is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including ergonomic seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and enhanced safety features, making it an attractive option for travelers. The Katra-Srinagar route, covering approximately 200 kilometers in under four hours, offers a significant time saving compared to road travel, which often takes six to eight hours. The rail link also traverses the picturesque Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, adding a scenic highlight to the journey.
Local businesses in Katra and Srinagar are optimistic about the rail link’s potential to revive tourism and stimulate economic activity. “The Vande Bharat trains are a game-changer for us,” said a hotel owner in Srinagar.
“With faster connectivity, we’re seeing renewed interest from tourists, and we hope this momentum continues.” Travel agents have also reported a spike in inquiries for packaged tours combining the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage with visits to Srinagar, Gulmarg, and other Kashmiri destinations.
Railway authorities have urged passengers to plan their journeys in advance and book tickets early due to the high demand. Additional services or increased capacity may be considered if the trend continues, though no official announcement has been made. For now, the fully booked trains underscore the success of the Srinagar-Jammu rail link and its role in bridging spiritual and scenic destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Travelers seeking to book tickets can check availability and make reservations through the IRCTC website or mobile app. With the Vande Bharat trains setting a new benchmark for rail travel in the region, the route is poised to become a vital lifeline for tourism and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. |
