Delhi to Srinagar Vanda Bharat Train Trial Run, Now Reach Katra Station in Few Hours

The dream of rail connectivity in Kashmir was finally realized on Saturday, January 25, 2025. A specially-designed Vande Bharat Express train arrived in Kashmir, marking the end of its trial run. This achievement came after years of hard work, dedication, and remarkable engineering efforts.

With this successful completion of a special Vande Bharat Express trial train from Katra to Srinagar on Saturday, the ambitious idea of establishing a train to Kashmir gained significant momentum.

Vande Bharat: 150 km in 3 Hrs

After departing Delhi yesterday, January 24, the special train arrived in Jammu in the afternoon, where it stopped overnight before beginning its trial run to Srinagar in the morning.

Known for its speed and luxury, the Vande Bharat rake traveled more than 150 kilometers in just three hours, leaving the Katra Railway Station at 8 am and arriving at Srinagar Railway Station at 11 am.

Vande Bharat Train: Delhi to Srinagar in a few Hours

With the hilly roads and many twists and turns, the trip from Jammu to Srinagar often takes six to eight hours. However, the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which connects Kashmir to the rest of the nation via train for the first time, significantly reduces travel time.

Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Launch Date

It is anticipated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the train from Katra to Srinagar following the Delhi Assembly elections next month.

Key Highlights of Srinagar Vande Bharat Express 

• Trial Progress: Indian Railway's Chief Area Manager, Srinagar, Saqib Yousuf, confirmed that the trial brings the train closer to regular operations.
• Special Design for Cold Climate:
• Equipped with heating pads to prevent freezing in harsh winters.
• Features windshields with anti-frost technology for snowy conditions.
• Journey Details:
• The train departed from New Delhi’s Shakoor Basti Railway Station on Friday, January 24.
• Reached Jammu Tawi Railway Station at 3:20 p.m. on the same day.
• Halted overnight at Katra before beginning its trial run through the mountains to the Valley on Saturday.

Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Cost

The railway, which was built at an estimated cost of Rs 41,000 crore, passes through some of the most difficult terrain on earth, including the Chenab Bridge, a magnificent steel construction that rises 1,178 feet above the river and is taller than the Eiffel Tower. In addition, it travels through tunnels built into the mountains that span more than 100 kilometers.