A week after its inauguration, the Vande Bharat Express on the Katra–Srinagar route is not just running—it’s racing ahead into the hearts and itineraries of Kashmiris and tourists alike. In what officials are calling an “extraordinary” public response, every seat on the train has been booked for the next 10 days, signaling not just demand for connectivity but a new wave of confidence in Kashmir’s rail infrastructure.
Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 as part of the landmark Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, this Vande Bharat service marks a new chapter in the Union Territory’s integration with India’s high-speed rail ambitions. With panoramic windows offering mesmerizing views of the Kashmir Valley, onboard amenities that rival flights, and the promise of safety and punctuality, it’s no surprise the train is drawing crowds—and clicks.
A key engineering marvel of the USBRL is the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge standing at a height of 359 metres above the river bed—taller than the Eiffel Tower. This iconic bridge, which connects the Bakkal and Kauri sectors in the Reasi district, has made rail connectivity possible across some of the toughest terrains of the Himalayas, allowing the Vande Bharat Express to glide over what was once an unbridgeable divide.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Chief Area Manager (CAM), Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo, described the response as historic. “We are getting good response so far. The Vande Bharat Express is running at full occupancy every day, and advance bookings are packed for the next 10 days. We have not seen this kind of enthusiasm for any rail service in the Valley in recent years,” he said.
According to Yatoo, it’s not just about faster travel—it’s about what the train symbolizes. “People were waiting for a service that offers punctuality, safety, and comfort. This train is bridging a crucial gap between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.”
The significance of the new train extends beyond convenience. It is poised to become a game-changer for religious tourism. “Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, this train is going to significantly benefit pilgrims travelling to the holy cave and those visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. It reduces travel time, ensures comfort, and allows hassle-free movement, particularly for elderly and family travellers,” he said.
Jugal Kishor Sharma, Station Superintendent at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, echoed the sentiment. “People are very excited, and there are no seats available for the next 10 days,” Sharma confirmed, attributing the rush to a blend of onboard luxury and the religious-tourism magnetism of the region.
The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is no ordinary train. Equipped with automatic doors, Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and air-conditioned coaches, it represents the zenith of Indian Railways’ technological aspirations.
Passengers are particularly praising the comfortable seating, large glass windows, and seamless ride experience that Vande Bharat offers. Compared to traditional trains, the transition feels like moving from a local bus to a business-class airline, several travelers noted in their social media reviews.
And then there’s the setting—the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir as seen through the train’s panoramic windows. These visuals have not gone unnoticed.
Over the past few days, social media has been buzzing with videos and reels from popular travel vloggers and influencers documenting their journeys on the Vande Bharat. Their content, filled with awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains, tunnels through granite hills, and green pastures, is painting a compelling picture of Kashmir as not only a travel destination but a high-speed rail experience.
From YouTube travel channels to Instagram stories, the journey is going viral. Some videos have even garnered hundreds of thousands of views within hours of being uploaded, reflecting the wide interest in the train and its route.
“People are seeing the journey in real time through social media. It’s becoming a trending topic, and that’s helping boost awareness and bookings,” CAM Yatoo noted, crediting the organic digital coverage with adding an unexpected but welcome marketing push.
Railway officials said if the current momentum continues, the Railway Board may even consider increasing the train’s frequency or adding more coaches to meet the overwhelming demand.
The Vande Bharat Express is part of the USBRL megaproject that includes the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River—another feat of engineering marvel. This combination of modernity, ambition, and aesthetics is elevating Kashmir’s profile not just on national infrastructure maps, but also on digital and emotional ones.
The USBRL project, initiated during the Vajpayee era and inaugurated in full scale during Omar Abdullah’s second tenure as Chief Minister, is finally bearing fruit under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
