Srinagar, 10 January 2025: Passengers traveling by train between Kashmir and New Delhi will need to switch trains at Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Railway Station in Katra, Jammu, as officials stated that the arrangement addresses "security concerns" and ensures streamlined operations, with Katra serving as the designated boarding and deboarding point.
"No direct train will operate between Srinagar and New Delhi. Trains arriving from Srinagar or heading there will terminate at Katra, where passengers must deboard, exit the station, and rescan their luggage before continuing their journey," ETV Bharat reported, quoting officials.
“Platform 1 has been assigned for all Kashmir-bound trains, where passengers will transfer to the next train.”
A timetable released by Northern Railways on December 31 outlines the schedules for the Vande Bharat Express and two Mail Express services between Katra and Srinagar.
According to inputs, the Vande Bharat train will depart from Katra at 8:10 a.m., reaching Srinagar at 11:20 a.m., while Mail Express services are scheduled at 9:50 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., reaching Srinagar at 1:10 p.m. and 6:20 p.m., respectively.
Return services follow a similar schedule. The Vande Bharat will leave Srinagar at 12:45 p.m., arriving in Katra at 3:55 p.m., with Mail Express trains departing at 8:45 a.m. and 3:05 p.m., reaching Katra at 12:05 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively.
Passengers are also anticipating an official inauguration of the service, which may coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Srinagar on January 13 for the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
The Railways have yet to confirm details about any further direct connectivity between Katra and New Delhi.