Bilal Veeri CNI

Srinagar, Apr 5, CNI: Indian Railways is all set to introduce the first-ever Vande Bharat Express connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, with the initial phase of operations between

Katra and Srinagar set to begin on April 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the inaugural run.The full Delhi-to-Srinagar

Vande Bharat service will follow in the second phase, tentatively scheduled for August or September this year. However, passengers travelling on the Delhi-Srinagar route will be required to change trains at Katra, where

mandatory security and health protocols will be in place.Despite being a single-ticket journey, all passengers will need to disembark at Katra, undergo security checks and wait for 2–3 hours before continuing towards Srinagar. Northern Railway officials cited sensitive terrain, weather conditions, and security reasons for this

arrangement. Passenger luggage will also be rechecked during this halt.Officials explained that the pause at Katra is also aimed at helping travelers acclimatize to the shift in altitude from the plains to the mountains.

The sharp change in elevation can impact some passengers’ health, making a transition period necessary.To ensure convenience, Indian Railways is establishing dedicated waiting lounges at Katra station to accommodate travelers during the mandatory halt. Officials confirmed that no additional

ticketing will be required; the entire journey will be covered under one fare.This move is seen as a major step in improving high-speed rail connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir, with the Vande Bharat Express poised to become a symbolic and practical bridge between the Valley and the national capital. (CNI)