Katra to Srinagar Train 2026: Vande Bharat Timings, Fares, Jammu Extension and Chenab Bridge

Updated: November 2026

Short answer: Vande Bharat trains have run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar since 7 June 2025, crossing the Chenab rail bridge on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla line. Since the extension flagged off on 30 April 2026, two pairs of trains run from Jammu Tawi via Katra to Srinagar, six days a week. The morning train 26401 leaves Jammu Tawi at 6:20 am, calls at Katra around 8:10 am and reaches Srinagar at 11:10 am; Katra to Srinagar takes about 3 hours. Fares are roughly ₹660–880 in AC Chair Car and ₹1,270–1,515 in Executive class for the full Jammu–Srinagar run (2026 reports); book on IRCTC.

Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat timings (2026)

End-point times are from the 30 April 2026 flag-off reports (Organiser) and India.com (2 May 2026); Katra times for 26401/26402 are from Northern Railway’s extension notice (All India Radio News, 24 February 2026). Railways revise timings from time to time, so confirm on NTES or IRCTC before you book, especially Katra times for 26403 and 26404.

How much is the Katra to Srinagar train fare?

Sources: All India Radio News (8 June 2025) for launch fares; India.com (2 May 2026) and TravelMyKashmir (updated August 2026) for Jammu–Srinagar fares, which differ by train and catering option. The fare IRCTC shows when you book is the one that counts.

Where does the train stop and how long does it take?

• Stops: Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal and Srinagar; 26401 also halts at Reasi (Organiser, 30 April 2026).
• Jammu Tawi–Srinagar: about 270 km in about 4 hours 40–50 minutes, against 6–8 hours by road.
• Katra–Srinagar: about 3 hours (Kashmir Life). On older timetables, Katra 08:10 to Srinagar 11:08.
• Train: a Vande Bharat built for cold weather; it went from 8 to 20 coaches when the service was extended to Jammu (Organiser).

The Chenab bridge and the USBRL line

The train runs on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened with the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat on 6 June 2025. Between Katra and Banihal it crosses the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, about 359 m above the river, and the Anji Khad bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, both in Reasi district. Sit on either side; the views come in short bursts between long tunnels, so keep your phone ready.

Booking and boarding tips

• Book on IRCTC as soon as your dates are fixed. Morning trains in peak months (May–June, Yatra season, December holidays) fill early.
• Reach early. Expect airport-style security checks for trains to and from Kashmir; give yourself extra time at Katra and Srinagar stations.
• Travel light. Chair cars have overhead racks only; large suitcases are awkward.
• Coming from Delhi? Take one of the many trains to Jammu Tawi or Katra, then change to the Vande Bharat. Plan a night in Katra if you are doing Vaishno Devi.
• Check the day off. 26401/26402 don’t run on Tuesdays and 26403/26404 don’t run on Wednesdays.
• Winter: the train is designed for cold weather, but heavy snow can still disrupt services; keep a road fallback.

Train or taxi from Katra or Jammu to Srinagar?

Road option: our Jammu to Srinagar taxi (sedan from ₹6,399, Innova from ₹11,099). For the short hop to the shrine, see Jammu to Katra taxi, and our Vaishno Devi yatra guide.

How to fit the train into a Kashmir trip

The easiest plan is one-way: arrive in Jammu, spend one or two nights in Katra for darshan, take the morning Vande Bharat to Srinagar, then fly home from Srinagar. Our Panoramic Kashmir with Vaishno Devi (5N/6D from ₹17,499 per person) and Kashmir Vaishno Devi tour with houseboat (6N/7D from ₹24,999 per person) start in Jammu; prices are twin sharing as printed on the live pages in November 2026. For day-by-day plans see our Kashmir itinerary guide.

What this means for your trip

If you are visiting Vaishno Devi and Kashmir together, the train is now the best link: about three hours from Katra to Srinagar with spectacular bridges, at a fraction of a taxi’s cost per person. Book the morning 26401 on IRCTC early, avoid its Tuesday day off, arrive early for security, and keep a taxi as a backup for sold-out or snowy days. For a full trip with hotels, see our priced Kashmir Vaishno Devi tour packages.

Katra to Srinagar train: frequently asked questions

What is the Katra to Srinagar train time?

Train 26401 leaves Jammu Tawi at 6:20 am, calls at Katra around 8:10 am and reaches Srinagar at 11:10 am; 26403 leaves Jammu at 1:20 pm and reaches Srinagar at 6:00 pm. Katra to Srinagar takes about 3 hours. Confirm current timings on NTES or IRCTC.

What is the Vande Bharat fare from Katra to Srinagar?

At launch in June 2025 it was ₹715 in AC Chair Car and ₹1,320 in Executive class. In 2026, Jammu–Srinagar fares were reported at about ₹660–880 (CC) and ₹1,270–1,515 (EC) depending on the train. IRCTC shows the exact fare when you book.

Does the train now start from Jammu?

Yes. The service was extended to Jammu Tawi with a flag-off on 30 April 2026, and two pairs of trains now run Jammu Tawi–Katra–Srinagar six days a week.

On which days does the Srinagar Vande Bharat not run?

Trains 26401 and 26402 do not run on Tuesdays; 26403 and 26404 do not run on Wednesdays.

Can I travel directly from Delhi to Srinagar by train?

Not on a single train in our sources. Take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi or Katra, then change to the Vande Bharat to Srinagar. Allow buffer time for the connection and security checks.

Does the train cross the Chenab bridge?

Yes. Between Katra and Banihal it crosses the Chenab Rail Bridge, about 359 m above the river and the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge.

Is the train better than a taxi from Jammu to Srinagar?

For two to three people with light bags, yes: it is faster (under five hours) and cheaper per person. Families of four or more with luggage, or anyone travelling on a train’s day off, may prefer a taxi (sedan from ₹6,399 one way on Suzu’s rates).