The SMVD Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, India's upcoming high-speed train, is slated for inauguration on April 19, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This train will connect the holy town of Katra, home to the Vaishno Devi Temple, with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The 272-kilometer journey is expected to be completed in approximately three hours, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity in the region.
The train will operate on the newly completed Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, a project aimed at integrating the Kashmir Valley with India's railway network. Future plans include extending the service to originate from Jammu Tawi, further improving accessibility once modernization work at Jammu Tawi station is completed.
The Vande Bharat Express features modern amenities such as airline-style seating, on-board Wi-Fi, infotainment systems, and advanced safety features like the Kavach system. The introduction of this train is expected to boost tourism, facilitate pilgrimages to the Vaishno Devi shrine, and promote economic development in the Kashmir Valley