February 18, 2025
Travelling from Delhi to Kashmir by train has become more convenient with the arrival of the Vande Bharat train connecting the capital with the gateway to Kashmir. While travellers may search for a direct Delhi to Kashmir Vande Bharat Express, the service runs from Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, rather than directly to Srinagar. There is currently no direct Vande Bharat service from Delhi to Srinagar. The Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat connects New Delhi with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, while the Vande Bharat services to the Kashmir Valley currently operate between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. Travellers from Delhi therefore need to use a connecting train before continuing towards Srinagar.
This connection is particularly useful for travellers planning holidays through premium Kashmir tour packages, as it combines speed, comfort and scenic views along the route. From timings and stations to ticket prices and the latest 2026 developments, here is what travellers should know before planning their journey.
The Delhi to Katra Vande Bharat Express has made travel from the capital to Jammu and Kashmir considerably quicker and more comfortable. This rail service links New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, which is a vital rail junction for pilgrims going to Vaishno Devi and those travelling towards Kashmir.
With modern coaches, comfortable seats and less frequent stops compared to other trains, it is a very popular means of fast transportation. Travellers can check the latest schedule, seat availability and booking details through IRCTC before planning their trip.
The train from Delhi to Katra Vande Bharat travels on a highly connected route in North India. Here are the major stops travellers should know about along the journey.
|
Serial Number |
Station Code |
Station Name |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
Halt Time |
Distance (km) |
Day |
|
1 |
NDLS |
New Delhi |
- |
06:00 AM |
- |
0 |
1 |
|
2 |
UMB |
Ambala Cantt Jn |
08:10 AM |
08:12 AM |
2 min |
199 |
1 |
|
3 |
LDH |
Ludhiana Jn |
09:19 AM |
09:21 AM |
2 min |
312 |
1 |
|
4 |
JRC |
Jalandhar Cantt |
10:00 AM |
10:02 AM |
2 min |
365 |
1 |
|
5 |
PTKC |
Pathankot Cantt |
11:15 AM |
11:17 AM |
2 min |
478 |
1 |
|
6 |
JAT |
Jammu Tawi |
12:43 PM |
12:45 PM |
2 min |
577 |
1 |
|
7 |
SVDK |
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra |
02:20 PM |
- |
- |
655 |
1 |
The Delhi to Katra Vande Bharat Express offers two seating options, allowing passengers to choose according to their comfort and travel budget. The fare can vary based on the booking date, availability, and applicable railway charges. Before making a reservation, passengers should check the current fare and booking details through the official railway booking platform.
The indicative fare is around INR 1,690 for AC Chair Car (CC) and around INR 3,080 for Executive Chair Car (EC). Actual fares may vary depending on the journey date, fare revisions, catering charges, reservation charges and other applicable railway charges. Travellers should check the final fare on IRCTC before booking.
The Vande Bharat services to the Kashmir Valley were extended to Jammu Tawi in 2026. The current services include:
The Vande Bharat services connecting Jammu with Srinagar provide a fast rail connection to the Kashmir Valley. These services were extended to Jammu Tawi in 2026. Train 26403 departs from Jammu Tawi in the afternoon and reaches Srinagar in the evening.
|
Serial Number |
Station |
Station Code |
Arrival |
Departure |
Halt |
Distance (km) |
Day |
|
1 |
JAMMU TAWI |
JAT |
- |
1:20 PM |
- |
0 |
1 |
|
2 |
MCTM UDHAMPUR |
MCTM |
2:16 PM |
2:18 PM |
2 min |
54 |
1 |
|
3 |
SHMATA VD KATRA |
SVDK |
2:50 PM |
2:55 PM |
2 min |
78 |
1 |
|
4 |
BANIHAL |
BAHL |
4:40 PM |
4:42 PM |
- |
190 |
1 |
|
5 |
SRINAGAR |
SINA |
6:00 PM |
- |
- |
269 |
1 |
Train 26401 departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM and reaches Srinagar at 11:10 AM. Train 26401 operates six days a week, except Tuesday, while Train 26403 operates six days a week, except Wednesday.
Note: Railway timings, fares, operating days and train schedules can change. The content writer should verify all time-sensitive information on the official Indian Railways or IRCTC website immediately before publishing.
Rail connectivity to Kashmir has seen significant changes in 2026, with Vande Bharat services strengthening the link between Jammu, Katra and Srinagar. In 2026, the Vande Bharat services connecting the Kashmir Valley with Jammu were extended to Jammu Tawi.
Regular Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat operations began on 2 May 2026, improving rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat service was augmented from 8 coaches to 20 coaches to accommodate rising passenger demand. Passengers changing trains should allow sufficient time for station procedures, security checks and boarding. Travellers should follow the latest instructions provided by railway and station authorities.
Looking ahead, a direct overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper between Delhi and Srinagar is expected to be introduced by late 2026, although the service is not operational yet and its launch timeline may change. Until then, travellers should rely on the currently available connections and check the latest railway schedule before making their booking.
Travelling from Delhi to Srinagar by Vande Bharat is currently not possible on a single direct train. Travellers need to use a connecting train before continuing towards Srinagar. Depending on the selected schedule, passengers can travel from Delhi towards Jammu Tawi or Katra and then connect to services towards Srinagar. The Vande Bharat services to Srinagar currently operate from Jammu Tawi.
Travellers should not assume that the Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat automatically connects with the Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat on the same day. Connection times must be checked carefully because the services may not align.
Train 22439 reaches Katra at approximately 2:20 PM, while Train 26403 departs Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM. Therefore, passengers arriving at Katra on Train 22439 cannot use Train 26403 on the same day.
The Delhi to Kashmir Vande Bharat journey offers a faster and more comfortable way to reach the Valley, although travellers currently need to use a connecting train because there is no direct Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat service. With convenient train services, improved connectivity and better planning, the journey can be relatively smooth.
Checking schedules, fares and connection timings in advance is essential, especially during busy travel periods. For a well-organised Kashmir holiday, travellers can also seek assistance from the best vacation planners in India.
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