Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Sees Unprecedented Demand with Full Bookings Until 2025
Surge in Demand for Vande Bharat Express
The recently launched Katra-Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express trains have witnessed an astonishing level of demand, with all seats booked solidly until June 10-12, 2025. This remarkable surge in reservations follows the inauguration of the Srinagar-Jammu rail link by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025.
Aimed at improving connectivity between the pilgrimage destination of Katra and the stunning Kashmir Valley, this high-speed rail service has quickly gained popularity among travelers, especially pilgrims and tourists eager to discover the area. Despite recent setbacks in the tourism sector due to the Pahalgam attack, the two Vande Bharat trains—numbered 26401 and 26403—have emerged as the top choice for many. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) mobile application indicates that there are no available seats in either the Chair Car (CC) or Executive Class (EC) categories, highlighting the strong interest in this new travel option.
Operations for both trains began on June 7, and they have consistently adhered to their schedules, departing from Katra at 8:10 AM and 2:55 PM, and arriving in Srinagar on time. Over the weekend, the services operated at full capacity, with many passengers being pilgrims returning from the revered Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine, which attracts millions of devotees annually. The new rail link is anticipated to further enhance religious tourism by providing easy access to Kashmir’s breathtaking attractions.
The swift sell-out of tickets is particularly remarkable given the recent downturn in tourist traffic to Kashmir following a terror attack in Pahalgam and military tensions between India and Pakistan. These incidents had raised safety concerns, leading to a temporary decline in visitor numbers. However, the robust demand for the Vande Bharat trains reflects a resilient interest in exploring Kashmir, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Featuring modern amenities such as comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and improved safety features, the Vande Bharat Express offers an appealing travel option. Covering around 200 kilometers in less than four hours, it significantly reduces travel time compared to road journeys, which can take six to eight hours. The route also includes the scenic Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, adding a picturesque element to the trip.
Local businesses in Kashmir are hopeful about the rail link’s potential to rejuvenate tourism and boost economic activity. A local resident in Srinagar remarked, “The Vande Bharat trains are a game-changer for Kashmir. With faster connectivity, we’re witnessing renewed interest from tourists, and we hope this momentum continues.”