Sold out: Kashmir Vande Bharat fully booked for next 10 days after launch

Time of India

12-06-2025

India's new Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has been an instant hit. It has been receiving overwhelming response, with all seats getting sold out soon. According to the railway authorities, bookings for the train are full for the next 10 days.
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Speaking to the media, Station Superintendent at Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, Jugal Kishor Sharma, added that the response they are getting for the train has already exceeded their expectations.
"We are receiving a very good response from the public for the Vande Bharat Express, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People are very excited, and there are no seats available for the next 10 days," Sharma said.
Flagged off by Prime Minister Modi on June 6, this iconic express runs on the newly completed Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link, a 272 km engineering marvel featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges—including the world's tallest railway arch, the Chenab Bridge—surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height. The route dramatically enhances Kashmir's all-season connectivity, historically hampered by landslides and snow on the Jammu–Srinagar highway.
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Designed for the Himalayan harsh weather
This special train isn't the usual standard Vande Bharat. The train has been designed for sub-zero Kashmir weather, and comes equipped with heated windshields, insulated toilets, and advanced heating systems that fight frost even at –20 °C. Reports add that the train will be operating six days a week (excluding Tuesday/Wednesday maintenance), and will be making the Katra–Srinagar journey in just three hours, which is a massive time-saver.
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Why the rush?
Speed & convenience: Halving travel time compared to winding highway drives.
Scenic & safe: A picturesque ride across the Chenab Bridge and through snow-laden tunnels.
First-mover appeal: Premier access to a new train service sparks strong demand.
Officials noted that the rail link now ensures that Kashmir won't be 'cut off' during bad weather—a frequent issue along NH44.
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With daily services fully booked, pressure is mounting on Indian Railways to add more rakes or increase frequency.
Discussions are underway to boost capacity and meet demand . Plus, the USBRL is expected to drive long-term economic benefits by promoting tourism, trade, and local industry through improved mobility.
The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat has quickly become the transport of choice for Kashmir-bound travelers. Its pioneering service, scenic route, and cutting-edge tech have created a buzz—and with tickets gone in a flash, it's clear this is a train people are eager to ride.