𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐫

Just a week after its launch, the Vande Bharat Express running on the Katra–Srinagar route has seen an overwhelming public response, with all seats fully booked for the next ten days. This surge in interest reflects growing enthusiasm for modern rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Launched on June 6 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the high-speed train offers scenic views of the Kashmir Valley through its large windows, along with top-tier amenities such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioned coaches, bio-vacuum toilets, and GPS-enabled passenger information systems. The train is quickly becoming a symbol of comfort, safety, and modernization in the region.

A highlight of the USBRL project is the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge—which has enabled the train to navigate the challenging Himalayan terrain. The bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower, connects the Bakkal and Kauri regions in Reasi, marking a significant engineering achievement.

Chief Area Manager Saqib Yousuf Yatoo called the public response “historic,” stating that the train’s punctuality, comfort, and safety have generated massive interest. He emphasized that beyond speed, the train enhances emotional and logistical ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.

Religious tourism is also expected to benefit from the new service, especially with the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The train is expected to offer a convenient and comfortable option for pilgrims, including the elderly.

According to Station Superintendent Jugal Kishor Sharma at the Katra Railway Station, the excitement among the public is unprecedented. The train’s luxury feel and religious significance are key drivers of demand.

Online, the Vande Bharat journey has gone viral. Influencers and vloggers have been sharing stunning visuals of Kashmir’s landscapes as seen from the train’s windows. These digital posts are contributing significantly to the train’s popularity and increased bookings.

With rising demand, railway authorities are considering increasing the train’s frequency or adding more coaches. Officials say the Vande Bharat is more than just a train—it’s a transformative experience that’s reshaping perceptions and reinforcing connectivity in the Valley.

The USBRL project, launched under the Vajpayee government and expanded during Omar Abdullah’s leadership, is now seeing major milestones realized under Prime Minister Modi’s administration, bringing high-speed rail to the heart of Kashmir.