The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express trains have become instantaneously popular with passengers travelling between Katra in Jammu and Srinagar, having reduced the travel time by about 2-3 hours. The train, which travels across the newly-inaugurated Chenab Rail Bridge, takes all of three hours to reach its destination.
As per railway officials, the VB Express is witnessing enthusiastic popularity that is reflected in the overwhelming surge in booking trends, all the seats being booked out up till June 26.
With advanced booking going up till July, officials are expecting record-breaking booking ahead of the Shri Amarnath Yatra that is set to start on July 3.
“We are noticing that there is great excitement among people to enjoy this iconic train service. There is no seat available on any of the trains for the next ten days or so,” said one official.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station Superintendent, Jugal Kishore Sharma, told reporters that the overall response of passengers vis-à-vis the train service was very positive. “We are getting good feedback,” he said, adding that people were satisfied with the services being provided.
There have been no complaints so far, he said, though they were ready to address grievances, should they arise in the future, he added.
The Vande Bharat Express trains were flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, after he inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge. The PM also dedicated the Udhampur-Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the nation.
These special trains are designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures and would be running throughout the year. Fitted with heated windscreen against defrosting and thermally-insulated laboratories, the trains are as modern and sophisticated as they come.
Earlier this week, National Conference chief and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, travelled on the train, accompanied by advisor to the CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, and the sons of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Zahir and Zamir Abdullah, among others. The former CM said the train will boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and provide an economic lifeline to the region after more than seven decades.
He also congratulated the railways on providing world-class services to the passengers.
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