Srinagar Katra Vande Bharat Express gets experimental stoppage at Reasi station
Jammu, Oct 29: The Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express on Wednesday stopped for the first time at Reasi Railway Station, which has been included as its experimental stoppage, marking a significant milestone in the region’s growing rail connectivity.
The historic occasion was celebrated amid great enthusiasm, with over 500 local residents gathering at the station to witness the event.
The train was ceremoniously flagged off by Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, in the presence of DDC chairman Reasi Saraf Singh Nag, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Jammu Railway Division, Uchit Singhal and several senior railway officials.
Beginning October 30, 2025, the Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express (Train numbers 26401/26402) will make a two-minute halt at Reasi Railway Station.
According to railway officials, the train will depart from Katra at 8.10 am, arrive at Reasi at 8.28 am, and then proceed towards Srinagar. On its return journey, it will arrive at Reasi at 4.34 pm.
Previously, the semi-high-speed train had only one intermediate stop—Banihal— between Katra and Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior DCM Uchit Singhal said the decision to include Reasi as a stoppage was made in response to persistent public demand and was aimed at improving travel convenience for passengers from Reasi and neighbouring areas.
“The inclusion of Reasi as a stoppage will make travel more convenient for local passengers, pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, and tourists exploring the Chenab Bridge and nearby attractions,” he said.
The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, has already been hailed as a milestone in Indian Railways’ history. It is the first train to connect the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region via the world’s highest railway bridge — the Chenab bridge.
Since its launch, the Vande Bharat has received widespread acclaim for its speed, comfort, and reliability. With Reasi now added as a stoppage, the service is expected to further strengthen connectivity and boost tourism in the region, benefiting both local commuters and visitors alike.
