Few seats left till 18 June
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Getting a train ticket to Kashmir from Katra is proving to be a challenging task this week. The newly launched Vande Bharat Express trains on the Katra–Srinagar route are already fully booked for the next three days, with long waiting lists on both directions.
Train 20401, which leaves Katra at 8:10 am, has a waiting list of 60 passengers, while Train 20403, running from Katra to Srinagar, has more than 50 people waiting for a seat.
The surge in demand comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train service on June 7, marking a significant milestone for railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Vande Bharat trains cover the 190-kilometre journey in just 3 to 4 hours, compared to 8 to 9 hours by road, making it a preferred choice for many.
“Earlier, it used to take an entire day to travel between Katra and Srinagar. Now, I can reach in just a few hours. This is a big relief,” said Rakesh Sharma, a pilgrim heading to Vaishno Devi.
Another traveller, Suhail Ahmad from Srinagar, added, “The ride was smooth, the views were amazing, and the train felt like an aircraft inside. This is the best thing that has happened for regular travellers like us.”
The train route includes the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and runs through scenic valleys and tunnels, making it not just a convenient ride but a visual treat.
The Vande Bharat trains come with AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car options, with fares ranging between ₹715 and ₹1,515. Passengers enjoy Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, heating systems, and safety features like Kavach.
Railway officials are advising passengers to book early to avoid disappointment, especially during the tourist and pilgrimage season.
“This is just the beginning. Once more people experience it, demand will go even higher. We are looking at record footfall this summer,” said a railway official posted at Katra station.
With summer vacations and yatra season underway, the Vande Bharat service has quickly become the lifeline for both tourists and locals, though, for now, getting a seat may require more planning than expected.
Meanwhile, sources said that tickets from Katra to Srinagar are being filled at a quick pace from Monday to next week Wednesday, with few seats left.
