The Indian Railways is all set to begin commercial operations of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Jammu on June 7, with ticket prices for AC chair car coaches priced at Rs 660.
The launch marks a new chapter in Kashmir’s long-awaited national integration through connectivity. The launch coincides with the inauguration of the World’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River by Prime Minister Modi on Friday.
As per officials, two pairs of Vande Bharat trains-numbered 26404/26403 and 26401/26402—will operate six days a week on the Srinagar-Katra route, with an important halt at Banihal.
Bookings for the service opened on Thursday via IRCTC, and while only AC chair Seats are currently available, fares for Executive Chair Car are expected to be announced soon, likely in the ₹1,200–₹1,500 range.
The new train service is part of the broader 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a massive ₹43,780 crore undertaking that includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
The Chenab Bridge, towering at 359 meters, has now become operational for passenger services for the first time.
The train promises to reduce travel time and also provide a comfortable journey with the latest features like aircraft-style seating, Wi-Fi, infotainment, automatic doors, and GPS-based information systems.
The train is also seen as providing a logistical and cultural connector, as it offers a major boost to the pilgrimage and tourism industry, the base for both Katra and Srinagar.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the service will be extended to Jammu by September, once necessary platform upgrades are completed. A Delhi-Srinagar sleeper version of Vande Bharat is also in the pipeline.
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