Srinagar: Just days after its inauguration, the newly launched Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is witnessing an overwhelming response, with all seats fully booked for the next ten days. The train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sparked a travel frenzy as people flock to experience the historic rail connection to the Kashmir valley.
The launch of this service marks a monumental shift in connectivity for the region. Until now, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was the sole surface link to the Kashmir valley—a route frequently disrupted by landslides, heavy rain, and snowfall. The new rail line is being hailed as a game-changer, ending the valley’s long-standing isolation during inclement weather.
Passengers are particularly eager to experience the journey across the engineering marvel that is the Chenab Rail Bridge—the tallest railway bridge in the world—and a series of lengthy tunnels cutting through the rugged Himalayan terrain.
The Rs 43,000 crore railway project, decades in the making, was completed earlier this year and officially inaugurated last Friday. Although passengers must still change trains at Katra to reach other destinations like Delhi, the rail connection between Katra and Srinagar is seen as a giant leap forward in integrating Kashmir with the rest of the country.
Railway officials say demand is exceeding expectations, with both the up and down trains operating at full capacity. The current two-train service between Katra and Srinagar is struggling to accommodate the surge in passengers, as long waiting lists continue to grow.
With this rail link now operational, the Kashmir valley is no longer dependent solely on the vulnerable NH-44. The reliable train service ensures that, regardless of rain or snow, Kashmir will remain connected to the rest of India year-round.
