As Delhi-Kashmir train countdown  begins; train schedules, timings announced

Srinagar: History is finally in the making as five new trains are set to connect Delhi to Kashmir, starting January 26, 2024.

This historic rail service, aimed at bridging the gap between the country and the Kashmir Valley, promises better features like heated coaches and stringent airport-like security checks, catering to the challenging terrain and climate.

The eagerly awaited service would integrate Kashmir into the country’s train transport network while boosting tourism, trade, and connectivity. The train service is also expected to ease the intense pressure on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway with a good number of travellers shifting to train travel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to do the formal inauguration of the train.

Northern Railway Releases Train Timings for Katra-Srinagar Route

While the travel fares are yet to be officially announced, Delhi-Srinagar train travel is expected to take 13 hours, with trains leaving Delhi in the evening and arriving in Srinagar in the morning.

Ahead of the formal Delhi-Kashmir launch, Northern Railway has announced detailed train timings for the Katra-Srinagar segment. The route will feature three daily services:

From Katra to Srinagar:

• Vande Bharat Express: Departs at 8:10 AM, arrives at 11:20 AM.

• Mail Express: Departs at 9:50 AM, arrives at 1:10 PM.

• Mail Express: Departs at 3:00 PM, arrives at 6:20 PM.

From Srinagar to Katra:

• Mail Express: Departs at 8:55 AM, arrives at 12:05 PM.

• Vande Bharat Express: Departs at 12:45 PM, arrives at 3:55 PM.

• Mail Express: Departs at 3:10 PM, arrives at 6:30 PM.

The high-speed Vande Bharat Express, with its luxurious features, is likely to become a favorite for tourists and business travelers, reducing dependency on high cost air travel, which, until now, has been the oniy reliable mode of travel for most business travellers.