Overview
- The extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat began regular Jammu–Srinagar service on Saturday after an April 30 flag-off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- Published schedules show two daily train pairs with morning and afternoon departures and key halts at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal.
- Railway officials reported nearly 3,925 to 4,000 passengers on the inaugural day across four runs, and early riders praised the time savings versus the often unpredictable road journey.
- The 20‑coach sets seat about 1,400 people and use insulated coaches, heated water lines and silicon heating pads to keep systems working in sub‑zero conditions.
- Officials project gains for tourism and freight as part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla link over the Chenab Bridge, with track doubling from Qazigund to Arinagar planned to add capacity.