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PM Narendra Modi Flags Off Vande Bharat Train Between Katra and Srinagar: A New Era of Connectivity and Development in Jammu & Kashmir

Katra, June 6, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Jammu & Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express train service between Katra and Srinagar. The high-speed train will now cover the 272 km journey in just 3 hours, which previously took over 6 hours by road.


The grand inauguration ceremony was held in Katra and witnessed the presence of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This train service is a major part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which was declared a national project in 2002.

Key Features of the Vande Bharat Train:


FeatureDetails
RouteKatra to Srinagar
Distance272 km
Travel Time3 hours
Frequency6 days a week
Train Numbers26404/26403 and 26401/26402
StopOnly at Banihal
Fare (AC Chair Car)Starting from ₹660
Special FeaturesHeated windshields, insulated toilets, seismic dampers, snow removal systems


Engineering Marvels and Infrastructure:

The train route includes 36 tunnels (totaling 119 km) and 943 bridges, making it one of the most complex rail engineering projects in India. The train passes over the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. With advanced features, the train is equipped to operate efficiently in the region’s extreme weather and challenging terrain.

Economic and Social Impact:

In his address, Prime Minister Modi termed the service a “catalyst for economic and social transformation.” Enhanced connectivity is expected to boost tourism, trade, and generate local employment. The construction of infrastructure like the Chenab Bridge has already created thousands of jobs, and the new train service is likely to further accelerate this impact.


Interaction with Youth:

PM Modi also interacted with school children aboard the Vande Bharat train, as seen in his post on X (formerly Twitter). He described the event as a proud moment and emphasized the importance of engaging with the country’s youth. This interaction aligns with his vision of youth empowerment and their role in national development.

Future Expansion Plans:

Currently operating between Katra and Srinagar, the service is expected to be extended to Jammu Railway Station once ongoing infrastructure upgrades are completed. This will eventually allow seamless connectivity between Jammu, Delhi, and other parts of India via high-speed rail.

The inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar marks not just a technological achievement, but also a symbol of unity, progress, and national integration. It opens the door to new economic opportunities and enhances accessibility in one of India’s most strategic and scenic regions. As a milestone in modern infrastructure, this train is a testament to India's growing capabilities and inclusive development.

LG Manoj Sinha J&K

Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicates the iconic Chenab Bridge, Anji rail bridge and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation, flags off Vande Bharat Trains connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari
 

flags off Vande Bharat Trains connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Calls It a Momentous Occasion

Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan but a reality: LG


With Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the launch of Vande Bharat trains to Kashmir Valley, Hon’ble PM has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel & Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who had dreamt of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: LG

Skills of our engineers to build Chenab, Anji Bridge and hard work of our workers who carve through the mountains have eliminated the gaps that existed between crown Jewel of India and the rest of the country. It ensures that J&K gets connected with new aspirations of progress: LG Sinha

Hon'ble PM has changed J&K UT in the last 6 years. Its holistic development is top priority for Hon'ble PM and his various policies, speedy implementation and industrialisation has brought the Union Territory to the focal point of growth: LG

Hon'ble PM had lit a new torch of socio-economic revolution in J&K post August 2019. He built strong pillars of economic development in J&K and now laid new lines of destiny in the form of railway lines on it to transform J&K at a new pace: LG Sinha

Since April 2022, in the last three years, the Hon'ble PM has dedicated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 1.15 Lakh Crore to the people of Jammu Kashmir: LG

Hon'ble PM has ensured firm and decisive action against terrorism and its ecosystem. Operation Sindoor has drawn a new red line. On one hand the unmatched power of our armed forces is ready to protect the integrity of the nation and the other creative power is dedicated for a developed India: LG Sinha

SRINAGAR, 06 JUNE 2025: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the iconic Chenab Bridge, Anji rail bridge and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and flagged off Vande Bharat Trains, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari.


Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha called it a momentous occasion that will go down in history. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of Jammu Kashmir and the nation.

“Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has turned this decade-long dream into reality. He has connected the hearts of millions of Indians, forging an unbreakable bond from North to South.


With Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the launch of Vande Bharat trains to Kashmir Valley, Hon’ble Prime Minister has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who had dreamt of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the world's tallest Chenab Railway Bridge and the country's first Cable-Stayed Anji Rail Bridge, inaugurated today, ensures that J&K gets connected with new aspirations of progress.

He said the skills of our engineers to build Chenab, Anji Bridge and hard work of our workers who carve through the mountains have eliminated the gaps that existed between crown Jewel of India and rest of the country, the Lieutenant Governor further said.


 The Lieutenant Governor observed that Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has changed J&K UT in the last 6 years.

 “Its holistic development is top priority for Hon'ble Prime Minister and his various policies, speedy implementation and industrialisation has brought the Union Territory to the focal point of growth.

The Hon'ble Prime Minister had lit a new torch of socio-economic revolution in J&K post August 2019. He built strong pillars of economic development in J&K & now laid new lines of destiny in the form of railway lines on it to transform J&K at a new pace.

Since April 2022, in the last three years, the Hon'ble PM has dedicated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 1.15 Lakh Crore to the people of Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also expressed his gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for ensuring firm and decisive action against terrorism and its ecosystem.


“Operation Sindoor avenged the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and has drawn a new red line. On one hand the unmatched power of our armed forces is ready to protect the integrity of the nation and the other creative power is dedicated for a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

In a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, the Hon’ble Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects. He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore. He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.