- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: The Northern Railway announced on Thursday that regular Vande Bharat Express train services will begin between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra starting June 7. These trains will run six days a week, significantly improving connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the revered pilgrimage site.
Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402, will operate on the Srinagar-Katra route, with a stop at Banihal in between. The service will run six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. The Katra-bound train departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM, stops at Banihal at 9:02 AM, and reaches Katra at 10:58 AM. Conversely, the Srinagar-bound train leaves Katra at 2:55 PM, halts at Banihal at 4:40 PM, and arrives in Srinagar at 5:53 PM. Another service departs Srinagar at 8:10 AM, reaches Banihal at 9:58 AM, and arrives in Srinagar at 11:08 AM. The Srinagar to Katra service departs at 2:00 PM, passes Banihal at 3:10 PM, and reaches Katra at 4:58 PM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on June 6, coinciding with the completion of the Katra-Sangaldan rail link project. This route includes the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, marking a historic achievement for Indian Railways. The inauguration has generated excitement among locals.
Abdul Azeez Chandel expressed optimism, saying, “The train service beginning here will be very convenient. We’re grateful to the government for this development. It will greatly benefit ordinary people.” Kesar Singh, recalling the area’s troubled past with militancy, remarked, “I’m very happy that train services have started here. Things have improved a lot. No one imagined trains would come to this region,” adding, “This will be very useful for the people. Kudos to PM Modi for Operation Sindoor, which responded strongly to Pakistan.”
Chaudhary Ghulam Hussain emphasized the need for further development, stating, “We have been waiting eagerly for the Katra train. We want our people to benefit from it. Such projects should come to Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam.” He also noted that these initiatives could boost tourism and create employment opportunities for locals. Kuldeep Kumar Sharma shared his happiness, saying, “We never thought this train would run, but PM Modi made it happen. It connects us with the rest of India, and it’s a dream come true.”
In preparation for PM Modi’s visit, security has been intensified at Udhampur Railway Station. The completion of this rail link not only enhances regional connectivity but also brings Jammu and Kashmir closer to the national railway network, fostering greater integration.
