The Biz Reporter
Srinagar: In a significant development for Kashmir’s rail connectivity, railway officials have confirmed there will be no direct train service between Srinagar and New Delhi, with all passengers required to change trains at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) railway station in Katra. The complete journey is expected to take approximately 15 hours, including the transfer time at Katra.
According to railway officials, the mandatory transfer at Katra has been implemented for security reasons. Passengers must:
- Disembark at Katra’s Platform 1
- Exit the station
- Undergo fresh security screening at the departure lounge
- Board their connecting train for the onward journey
The newly released timetable shows three daily services between Katra and Srinagar:
- Vande Bharat: Katra departure 8:10 AM, Srinagar arrival 11:20 AM
- Mail Express: Katra departure 9:50 AM, Srinagar arrival 1:10 PM
- Mail Express: Katra departure 3:00 PM, Srinagar arrival 6:20 PM
Return services from Srinagar to Katra operate at 8:45 AM, 12:45 PM, and 3:05 PM.
The inauguration of this historic rail service is expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Srinagar on January 13, when he is also scheduled to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh national highway.
This development represents a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway history, though the mandatory transfer at Katra means passengers will need to plan their journeys accordingly and factor in additional time for the security procedures.
