In a significant move to enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways has announced a revised timetable for the prestigious Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express. The changes, effective immediately, bring notable improvements to travel times and connectivity in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
Key Schedule Changes You Should Know
The revamped schedule introduces several important adjustments that will benefit daily commuters and tourists alike:
- Earlier Departure from Srinagar: The train now departs from Srinagar at 06:00 AM instead of the previous 06:40 AM timing
- Extended Halt at Anantnag: The stop at Anantnag station has been increased by two minutes
- Improved Arrival Time: The train reaches Katra at 10:55 AM, maintaining its efficient service
Enhanced Return Journey
The return journey from Katra to Srinagar also sees important modifications:
- Later Departure: The train now leaves Katra at 04:30 PM instead of 03:00 PM
- Extended Sadura Halt: The stop at Sadura station has been increased by three minutes
- Evening Arrival: Passengers reach Srinagar at 09:35 PM, perfect for evening plans
What This Means for Passengers
The schedule revision addresses multiple passenger needs. The earlier departure from Srinagar allows travelers to reach Katra with more time for pilgrimage activities at the Vaishno Devi shrine. The extended halts at intermediate stations provide better boarding flexibility for local commuters.
Northern Railway officials emphasized that these changes were implemented after careful consideration of passenger feedback and operational requirements. The adjustments aim to optimize the train's utilization while maintaining its reputation for comfort and efficiency.
Boost to Regional Connectivity
This Vande Bharat Express service has been instrumental in transforming transportation in the Union Territory since its inauguration. The revised schedule further strengthens the rail network's role in connecting key destinations including Srinagar, Anantnag, and Katra.
The timing adjustments are expected to make the service more attractive to both religious tourists visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and regular commuters traveling between these important cities.
Passengers are advised to check the updated timetable before planning their journeys and book tickets through official IRCTC channels to avoid any inconvenience.
