Within the next two weeks, the Vande Bharat Express that would connect Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) is scheduled to start service. This would be the third semi-high-speed rail in the Union Territory and the first in the Kashmir Valley. The train has already reached the area and successfully finished its testing run. Maintenance and operation will fall within the purview of Northern Railway.
Launch Date, Ticket Prices And Route
This month is expected to see the debut of the Vande Bharat train. A senior railway official that the high-speed train may be inaugurated in 15 days. It is expected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train.
Ticket Prices (Expected)
The official fares have not yet been disclosed, although estimations suggest:
- AC Chair Car: Rs 1500-1600
- Executive Chair Car: Rs 2200-2500
Route and Stops
On the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Vande Bharat Express will stop at:
- Reasi
- Sangaldan
- Banihal
- Qazigund
- Anantnag
- Avantipora
Train Schedule (Six Days a Week)
- Departure from SVDK: 08:10 AM → Arrival at Srinagar: 11:20 AM
- Departure from Srinagar: 12:45 PM → Arrival at SVDK: 03:55 PM
Designed for Harsh Winters
This Vande Bharat train can function effectively in temperatures as low as -20°C since it is designed to endure extremely cold temperatures. Important characteristics include:
- Advanced heating systems for passenger comfort
- The driver’s cabin windshield is heated to avoid freezing and fogging.
- Bio-toilet heating components and anti-freezing plumbing to guarantee continuous operation during harsh winters
