Over 30,000 travellers travel on  newly-launched Vande Bharat, train fully booked for next 15 days

By: Umaisar Gull Ganie

Jammu: The newly-launched Vande Bharat Express on the Katra–Srinagar route has received an enthusiastic response from passengers. Since its daily run began on June 7, more than 30,000 people have travelled on the train, and all seats remain booked for the next fifteen days, according to railway officials.

The journey offers passengers a scenic and memorable ride through some of the region’s most remarkable infrastructure, including the iconic Chenab and Anji Bridges, long tunnels, and extended viaducts.

Jugal Kishor Sharma, Station Superintendent at Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that public interest in the high-speed service is strong, with advance bookings filling up weeks in advance.

“There is a huge rush for the Vande Bharat Express. Around 30,500 passengers have travelled since June 7,” he said. The train comprises eight coaches—one executive class and seven chair cars.

On whether more coaches will be added ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, Sharma said that railway authorities are evaluating the option.

The officer noted a positive impact on tourism, which had dipped following the Pahalgam terror attack. “Most travellers are tourists. Even locals between Jammu and Srinagar are benefiting from it through livelihood,” he said.

Passengers have shared their excitement over the scenic views and comfortable facilities. Notable personalities, including former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, have also taken the ride.

The train is equipped with modern amenities, including security personnel, automatic doors that operate only at stations, and advanced safety mechanisms to prevent unauthorised entry during travel.

With two Vande Bharat trains now connecting Katra to the Kashmir Valley, direct and efficient rail connectivity has become a reality. The services were flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6.

The journey between Katra and Srinagar takes just about three hours, significantly cutting travel time. The trains are specially designed to operate in the cold weather conditions of the Kashmir region.

The route features engineering marvels such as the Anji Khad Bridge—India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge—and the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway arch bridge in the world.

Part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the 272-km stretch was built at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore. It includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, aimed at ensuring year-round, all-weather connectivity and accelerating regional development. —(KNO)