Kashmir is no longer a distant dream. We, at Flymounte, know that we weren’t the only ones whooping and rejoicing when the Indian Railways announced their plans to expand the Vande Bharat Express services.
The dream of reaching Kashmir comfortably and quickly by train is now every Indian’s new reality—all thanks to the newly launched Vande Bharat Kashmir route that brings the Switzerland of India much closer to the rest of the country! We do not need to emphasize it anymore: this Vande Bharat expansion is a major development for tourists planning a Kashmir trip by train and for locals alike.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get right into the details and start planning our very own trip in this beautiful paradise!
Key Highlights of the Vande Bharat Kashmir Trains
The first-ever Vande Bharat Express trains for Jammu and Kashmir were introduced on June 6 after the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Two new Vande Bharat trains began their services on June 7, 2025, to cheer up and bring happiness among travel enthusiasts all over India and all locals.
This well-equipped and luxurious Jammu and Kashmir train connects Jammu with Srinagar through the Banihal railway line. It also includes the Chenab bridge in its route, offering travelers a chance to see the world from atop the highest railway bridge in the world. The two trains run six days a week with one day off for maintenance work.
These trains offer the much-needed all-weather connectivity to parts of Jammu and Kashmir and guarantee accessibility even in the extreme cold temperatures prevalent there. Needless to say, Vande Bharat Kashmir reduces travel time drastically for a Kashmir trip by train and is ideal for tourists and business travelers.
Route & Connectivity Details of Vande Bharat Kashmir Trains
Vande Bharat makes Jammu Kashmir by train not just a reality but also a very pleasant, smooth, and relaxing journey. The key route and connectivity details of this impressive train service include:
- It is a part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
- The Vande Bharat Kashmir Express runs between Jammu, Srinagar, and Baramulla, providing comfortable train access through these areas.
- These semi-high-speed Jammu and Kashmir trains will have limited halts, stopping only at four stations along the route, including Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar.
- Further expansion is expected in the near future to connect major cities to Jammu Kashmir by train, such as to link Delhi via Katra.
Features of the Vande Bharat Kashmir Trains
So what makes Vande Bharat such a cozy and relaxing ride via train to Kashmir? It is not just about connectivity and luxury but also about comfort and safety.
- Fully air-conditioned coaches with modern interiors.
- Onboard infotainment, a GPS-based passenger information system, and bio-vacuum toilets.
- Enhanced safety with Kavach technology.
- Comfortable seating and catering options.
Vande Bharat Kashmir Trains: Benefits for Tourists and Locals
It is not just tourists from all over the globe that have hailed this Jammu and Kashmir train, but also locals within the region who can savor a smoother and easier journey by train to Kashmir from Jammu.
- Easy and affordable Kashmir trip by train without road travel fatigue.
- All-weather connectivity, as the Vande Bharat Kashmir trains can withstand the low temperatures, snow, and rain seen in the region.
- Scenic views of the Himalayas from the comfort of a high-speed train.
- Boosts tourism, local trade, and socio-economic development.
Timings & Ticket Booking of Vande Bharat Kashmir Trains
Bookings for the Vande Bharat Kashmir trains are currently available on IRCTC and selected travel portals. However, as the Jammu Tawi railway station is currently undergoing redevelopment work, these Jammu and Kashmir train services start from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and vice versa.
The two Vande Bharat Express trains run six days in a week. Once the Jammu Tawi railway station reconstruction work is completed, the train service will extend up to Jammu from Srinagar and vice versa. The train numbers of the two Vande Bharat trains are 26401/02 and 26403/04.
Kashmir Vande Bharat Express: Schedule of Train Number 26401/26402
- Train number 26401 leaves the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at 8:10 AM.
- It reaches its next stop—the Banihal railway station—at 9:58 AM.
- It reaches Srinagar railway station within a total of 3 hours, at 11:08 AM.
- In the return direction, train number 26402 departs from the Srinagar railway station at 2:00 PM.
- It stops at the Banihal railway station at 3:10 PM.
- The train ends its journey at Katra railway station at 4:48 PM, taking less than 3 hours again to reach Katra from Srinagar.
These two train services run on all days except Tuesday.
Kashmir Vande Bharat Express: Schedule of Train Number 26403/26404
- Train number 26404 begins its journey from Srinagar railway station at 8:00 AM.
- It comes to a halt at the Banihal railway station at 9:02 AM.
- At the end of its journey, it reaches Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at 10:58 AM, travelling a total of 2 hours and 58 minutes.
- On the return journey, train number 26403 commenced its journey from Katra at 2:55 PM.
- It stops at Banihal railway station en route at 4:40 PM.
- Finally, it reaches Srinagar railway station at 5:53 PM, again taking just less than 3 hours to complete the journey.
These two train services run on all days except Wednesday.
Why the Kashmir Vande Bharat Trains Are a Game-Changer
Previously, locals and tourists had to travel from Jammu to Srinagar via roads, namely the Jammu-Srinagar highway (NH44). Frequent disruptions due to extreme weather, landslides, and other blockages made this 270 km-long journey significantly slow, exhausting, and unpredictable. Additionally, the stretch from Ramban to Banihal is especially dangerous, with narrow roads, steep drops, and endless hairpin bends.
Now, the new Vande Bharat train to Kashmir offers a faster, safer, and more scenic mode of travel. This is a milestone for railway infrastructure—a comfortable and relaxing journey through the heart of Jammu and Kashmir!
So what are you waiting for? All set for a magical and breathtaking journey to Kashmir?
Plan your Kashmir trip by train with Flymounte, your travel partner for all your Kashmir dreams! We offer the best packages, stays, and sightseeing experiences customized to your needs and desires.
Visit Flymounte and start planning your scenic train escape and stay in the pristine and peaceful Kashmir Valley today!
FAQs
Q1. Is there a direct train to Kashmir now?
Yes, with the launch of the Vande Bharat Kashmir trains, direct travel from Katra to Srinagar is now possible. These trains run 6 days in a week all throughout the year and offer comfort, luxury, and safety on your journey through Jammu and Kashmir. Also, on completion of the Jammu Tawi railway station reconstruction work, the train service will extend to Jammu, offering direct and easy travel between Jammu and Srinagar.
Q2. What are the major stations covered in the Jammu Kashmir train route?
The Vande Bharat Kashmir Express stops only at four stations along the route, including Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar. Currently, due to reconstruction work at Jammu Tawi railway station, the train runs through Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar only.
Q3. Can I book a Kashmir train tour package?
Absolutely! You can book a Kashmir train tour package that includes travel in the Vande Bharat Kashmir trains. We, at Flymounte, are your specialized travel partners for all your Kashmir travel plans and offer customizable packages including hotel, local transport, and guided tours. Check them out at Flymounte now!
Q4. Is the train safe in mountainous terrain?
Absolutely! The Vande Bharat Kashmir trains are equipped with Kavach technology and run on India’s most modern rail infrastructure, guaranteeing safety, speed, and comfort to all its travelers.
Q5. When will the Vande Bharat train to Kashmir be fully operational?
The Vande Bharat Kashmir trains were inaugurated on June 6 and have been operational since June 7, 2025. However, currently, due to reconstruction work at Jammu Tawi railway station, the train runs through Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar only, and services will soon be expanded to include the renovated Tawi station. For all real-time updates and bookings, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Flymounte!
