Kashmir’s First Vande Bharat Train

Kashmir’s First Vande Bharat Train Launches on April 19 – Travel Made Easier!

Kashmir’s long-awaited Vande Bharat Express is finally set to launch on April 19, 2025. The flag-off will be done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the launch of Kashmir Vande Bharat, travel to the valley will be faster, smoother, safer, and more comfortable than ever! So, if you are planning a trip to Kashmir in 2025, read on to learn everything you need to know about Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat train.

About the Train Route

• Inauguration Date of Kashmir Vande Bharat Express: Flag-off on April 19, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Katra.
• Initial Route of Kashmir Vande Bharat Train: Katra to Srinagar (due to Jammu Railway Station renovations)
• Full Route: Once renovations at Jammu Railway Station are completed around August, the booking for Vande Bharat train will be available from Jammu to Srinagar
• Route Covered: The Jammu-Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will connect Katra to Srinagar, part of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
• Travel Time Reduction: The train cuts down travel time between Katra and Srinagar from 6-7 hours by road to just 3 hours. Also, the Vande Bharat train ticket prices are much reasonable and the train is efficient for providing this faster travel option between tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Historical Demand: The launch of Vande Bharat fulfills a long-standing demand for direct rail connectivity to Kashmir, where services previously ran only between Sangaldan and Baramulla or from Katra to other parts of India.

About Kashmir Vande Bharat Train Features

• Cold-Resistant Design: Specially built to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.
• Anti-Freezing Technology: Heating systems in plumbing and bio-toilets prevent freezing.
• Heated Windshield: Ensures clear visibility for the driver in extreme weather conditions on the Vande Bharat Train Route.
• Earthquake-Resistant Technology: Anti-vibration seismic dampers absorb tremors in the Zone-V earthquake-prone region.
• Snow Clearance System: A dedicated snow-removal train will operate ahead to clear tracks and ensure smooth travel.

About the Engineering Marvels on the Vande Bharat Train Route

• Tunnels: 38 tunnels cover a total of 119 km on this Vande Bharat Train route; the longest being Tunnel T-49 (12.75 km).
• Bridges: 927 bridges spanning 13 km in total.
• Chenab Bridge: The world’s highest railway bridge, standing 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
• Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.

Plan Your Kashmir Trip Better and With Ease

The launch of the Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar is a game-changer for travelers heading to visit the best places in Kashmir. With just 3 hours of travel time and all-weather connectivity, planning a trip to tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir is easy, faster, safer, and more comfortable than ever.

Places to Visit in Kashmir

From Apr 19, 2025 tourists will be able to travel to Kashmir by train. If you’re also looking forward to planning a trip to Kashmir by train, we have some top places for you to visit:

Srinagar

The summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is the city of shimmering lakes, Mughal gardens, and houseboats. The Vande Bharat’s direct connectivity from Katra makes reaching these dreamlike places to visit in Kashmir a breeze. Now experience the magical walks in tulip gardens, memorable shikara rides, and shopping for Pashminas more conveniently.

Gulmarg

Known as India’s premier ski destination, Gulmarg is the perfect Kashmiri destination to visit if you love Kashmir for its adventures. Take a ride in the world’s second-highest cable car (Gondola), trek, golf, or simply spend some time around the lush meadows, just 50 km away from Srinagar.

Pahalgam

The “Valley of Shepherds,” Pahalgam enchants with its Lidder River, dazzling Betaab Valley, and pine forests. Located 90 km from Srinagar, it serves as the starting point for the highly significant Hindu pilgrimage, Amarnath Yatra. Pahalgam is among the best places to visit in Kashmir if you are planning to do nature walks, river rafting, or pony rides, near Srinagar.

Sonmarg

The “golden meadows”of Sonmarg are one of the most popular spectacles in the Kashmir Valley. There should be no doubt about including Sonmarg in your Kashmir itinerary as Sonmarg is amongst the most beautiful places in the valley. The Thajiwas Glacier is the top attraction in Sonmarg.

Baramulla

One of the best places to visit in Kashmir, Baramulla is a historic town with ancient temples and scenic orchards. The new Vande Bharat Express service extends up to Baramulla, making this lesser-explored destination more accessible than ever. Enjoy a getaway around the ancient shrines, apple orchards, and scenic views of the Jhelum River.

Anantnag

Another laid-back destination and scenic destination in Kashmir, Anantnag is famous for its hot springs, ancient ruins like Martand Sun Temple, and fragrant saffron fields. It is about 55 km from Srinagar and one must include this place in their Kashmir Itinerary.

Vaishno Devi, Katra

Before heading to Kashmir, pilgrims can stop at Vaishno Devi in Katra, one of the most revered Hindu shrines and one of the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Now, with the Vande Bharat train starting from Katra, devotees can travel to Srinagar smoothly after the darshan, combining spiritual journeys with scenic adventures.

With the launch of Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat Train, Kashmir is now closer than ever. The new travel route to Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes and spiritual destinations will make the Jammu and Kashmir sightseeing journeys swift, comfortable, and effortless for everyone! So when are you planning your Kashmir trip with us?