The newly launched Vande Bharat Express on the Katra-Srinagar route is experiencing an overwhelming response, with all seats booked for the next 10 days, according to railway officials. Jugal Kishor Sharma, Station Superintendent at Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, told ANI that the train has exceeded expectations in terms of public interest. “We are seeing a very positive response for the Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People are extremely enthusiastic, and there are currently no available seats for the next 10 days,” Sharma said.

He credited the surge in demand to the train’s modern features and the strategic importance of the route, which links key religious and tourist destinations. “This new route has generated great excitement among travelers, leading to a long waiting list,” he added. Sharma also noted that railway staff are working hard to ensure passengers have a smooth and comfortable journey. “We are making every effort to prevent any inconvenience. Our team is fully committed to assisting travelers,” he said.

The Vande Bharat Express, part of Indian Railways’ initiative to enhance travel speed and comfort, is expected to improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s especially significant for pilgrims heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra and tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley. Equipped with advanced features like faster acceleration, plush seating, and improved safety systems, the train has quickly gained popularity.

On Tuesday, National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah boarded the train from Srinagar to Katra. Calling the Vande Bharat service on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL) the “greatest gift” to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the journey brought tears to his eyes as the train crossed the iconic Chenab Bridge.

Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma, who accompanied Abdullah, described the moment as historic. He emphasized that the long-standing public demand had finally been met. The Minister added that the train would help reduce the dependence on air travel by offering more accessible and affordable alternatives. The Chenab Bridge—touted as the world’s highest railway arch bridge—is a major feat for Indian Railways, completed in challenging terrain. It connects the Kashmir Valley with Jammu and the rest of India via rail.

Prime Minister Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat trains from Katra on June 6, linking the Jammu region directly with Kashmir. These trains will complete the Katra-Srinagar journey in around three hours, cutting travel time by two to three hours. They have been specially built to handle the cold weather of the Kashmir Valley. The route includes crossings over the Anji Khad Bridge (India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge) and the Chenab Bridge. The entire USBRL project spans 272 km, was built at a cost of around ₹43,780 crore, and features 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. This project promises year-round, uninterrupted rail access to the Kashmir Valley, boosting mobility and driving socio-economic growth in the region.