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{{short description|Mini Vande Bharat Express train route in India}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Distinguish||text=[[Srinagar–SMVD Katra Vande Bharat Express]], India's 69th semi high-speed Mini Vande Bharat Express train}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox rail service
| color = FF7220
| name = Jammu Tawi – SMVD Katra – Srinagar ''Vande Bharat Express''
| logo =
| logo_width =
| image = Srinagar vande Bharat.jpg
| image_width = 330px
| image_alt =
| alt =
| caption = Vande Bharat Express At [[Banihal railway station]]
| type = [[Vande Bharat Express]]
| locale = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| first = {{start date and age|June 06 2025|df=yes}} (Inaugural) {{start date and age|June 07 2025|df=yes}} (Commercial) <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-06 |title=Katra - Srinagar Vande Bharat Express begins operations from June 7: Key details|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/katra-srinagar-vande-bharat-express-begins-operations-from-june-7-key-details-2736768-2025-06-06|access-date=2025-06-06 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
| last =
| operator = [[Northern Railway zone|Northern Railways (NR)]]
| ridership =
| start = {{stnlnk|Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra}} '''(SMVD)''' ''(Extension to Jammu Tawi)'' '''''(TBC)'''''
| stops = 2 3 (after extn to Jammu Tawi)
| end = {{stnlnk|Srinagar}} '''(SINA)'''
| distance = {{convert|189|km|0|abbr=on}} ''After Extn, {{convert|272|km|0|abbr=on}}''
| journeytime = 03 hrs
| frequency = Six days a week {{efn|Except Tuesdays}}
| trainnumber = 26401 / 26402
| line_used = [[Jammu–Baramulla line]]
| class = AC Chair Car, AC Executive Chair Car
| seating = {{Hlist|Airline style|Rotatable seats}}
| sleeping = No
| autorack =
| catering = On board Catering
| observation = Large windows in all coaches
| entertainment = {{Hlist|[[Wi-Fi|On-board WiFi]]|Infotainment System|[[AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types#Indian IS 1293|Electric outlets]]|Reading light|Seat Pockets|Bottle Holder|Tray Table}}
| baggage = Overhead racks
| otherfacilities = [[Kavach (train protection system)|Kavach]], [[Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning#Heating|Advanced heating systems]]
| stock = Specially-Designed [[Vande Bharat (trainset)#Second generation|Mini Vande Bharat 2.0]]
| gauge = [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|Indian gauge]] {{track gauge|1676mm|allk=on}} [[broad gauge]]
| el =
| speed = {{cvt|63|km/h|0|abbr=on}} (Avg.)
| trainlength = {{convert|192|m|ft}} (08 coaches)
| owners = [[Indian Railways]]
| maintenance = '''''(TBC)'''''
| map = {{SMVD Katra – Srinagar VB Express Route}}
| map_state = collapsed
| electrification = [[25 kV 50 Hz AC]] Overhead line
}}

The 26401/26402 '''Jammu Tawi – SMVD Katra – Srinagar Vande Bharat Express''' is India's 68th [[Vande Bharat Express|Vande Bharat Express train]], which connects the divine [[Vaishno Devi Temple]] in the Temple City of [[Katra, Jammu and Kashmir|Katra]] with the summer capital city of [[Srinagar]] in the Union Territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir, India]].

This express train was inaugurated on June 6, 2025, by Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] from [[Katra, Jammu and Kashmir|Katra]] in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-06 |title=PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/pm-modi-flags-off-vande-bharat-train-between-katra-and-srinagar-2736687-2025-06-06 |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Modi Flags Off Two Vande Bharat Express Trains From Katra To Srinagar {{!}} Check Routes, Timings |url=https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-flags-off-vande-bharat-express-trains-from-katra-to-srinagar-routes-timings-fares-9371403.html |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyagi |first=Vanshika |title=Katra to Srinagar in 3 hours: PM Modi flags off new Kashmir Vande Bharat express, know ticket prices, stoppages, timings and more |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-katra-to-srinagar-in-3-hours-pm-modi-flags-off-new-kashmir-vande-bharat-express-know-ticket-prices-stoppages-timings-and-more-3157253 |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Rajesh Kumar |date=2025-06-06 |title=PM Modi inaugurates Chenab arch railway bridge, flags off Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jun/06/pm-modi-inaugurates-chenab-arch-railway-bridge-flags-off-katra-srinagar-vande-bharat-express |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-06-03 |title=PM Modi will inaugurate Vande Bharat train service from Katra to Srinagar on June 6 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/pm-modi-will-inaugurate-vande-bharat-train-service-from-katra-to-srinagar-on-june-6/article69653430.ece |access-date=2025-06-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | date=3 June 2025 |title=PM Modi to flag off Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat service on June 6 |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/city/pm-modi-to-flag-off-katra-srinagar-vande-bharat-service-on-june-6-article-13090106.html |access-date=4 June 2025 |website=Moneycontrol}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-03 |title=PM Modi likely to launch Vande Bharat express to Srinagar on June 6 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/pm-modi-likely-to-launch-vande-bharat-express-to-srinagar-on-june-6-2734886-2025-06-03 |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Rajesh Kumar |date=2025-06-03 |title=PM Modi likely to flag off Vande Bharat train in Katra; his first J&K visit post Pahalgam terror attack |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jun/03/pm-modi-likely-to-flag-off-vande-bharat-train-in-katra-his-first-jk-visit-post-pahalgam-terror-attack |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Overview ==
This specially designed train is currently operated by [[Indian Railways]], connecting [[Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station|SMVD Katra]], [[Reasi railway station|Reasi]], [[Banihal railway station|Banihal]] and [[Srinagar railway station|Srinagar]]. It currently operates on the newly completed [[Jammu–Baramulla line|Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link]], a 272-kilometer project designed to integrate the Kashmir Valley with India's railway network.

By September 2025,<ref>{{Cite web | date=2025-06-05 |title=Direct train between Jammu and Srinagar will run in September: Union Minister |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/direct-train-between-jammu-and-srinagar-will-run-in-september-union-minister/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=Greater Kashmir |language=en-US}}</ref> the service is planned to be extended to originate from [[Jammu Tawi railway station|Jammu Tawi]], enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling to and from Jammu. This extension is expected to commence once the modernization work at Jammu [[Tawi River|Tawi]] station is completed later this year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=Train to Kashmir: Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat train launch this month; to cut Katra-Srinagar travel time to just 3 hours |url=https://www.etnownews.com/infrastructure/train-to-kashmir-jammu-to-srinagar-vande-bharat-train-launch-this-month-to-cut-katra-srinagar-travel-time-to-just-3-hours-article-151323731?frmapp=yes |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=ET Now |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-31 |title=PM Modi to inaugurate Kashmir's first Vande Bharat train in April on THIS date – Govt shares latest update |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-kashmirs-first-vande-bharat-train-in-april-on-this-date-govt-shares-latest-update-3793882/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

== Interesting facts ==

* This special express train traverses significant infrastructural landmarks, including the [[Chenab Rail Bridge]]—the world's highest railway bridge and the [[Banihal-Qazigund Railway Tunnel|Banihal Tunnel]], enhancing connectivity in the region.
* The introduction of this express train on this route will boost tourism, facilitate easier pilgrimages to the [[Vaishno Devi Temple|Mata Vaishno Devi shrine]] in Katra, and promote economic development in the [[Kashmir Valley]] by improving access and reducing travel time.

==Rakes==
It is the sixty-third and the first specially designed [[Vande Bharat (trainset)#Second generation|2nd Generation Vande Bharat 2.0 Express train]] which was designed and manufactured by the [[Integral Coach Factory]] at [[Perambur]], [[Chennai]] under the [[Make in India]] Initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train 18, India's Fastest, Named "Vande Bharat Express": Piyush Goyal |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/train-18-indias-fastest-named-vande-bharat-express-piyush-goyal-1983965 |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
* This is equipped with climate-specific adaptations to provide advanced heating systems in sub-zero temperatures.
* The driver's front look-out glass is embedded with heating elements for defrosting and to ensure clear visibility during harsh winters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2025-01-08 |title=Railways unveils Vande Bharat, specially designed for winters in J&K, for Katra-Srinagar route |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/railways-unveils-vande-bharat-specially-designed-for-winters-in-jk-for-katra-srinagar-route/article69075026.ece |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Service ==
The 26401/26402 SMVD Katra – Srinagar Vande Bharat Express currently operates '''6 days''' a week, covering a distance of {{Convert|189|km|mi|abbr=on}} in a travel time of a mere 03 hrs with average speed of 63 km/h. The Maximum Permissible Speed (MPS) will be confirmed after commercial run.
{{notelist}}

== See also ==
* [[Vande Bharat Express]]
* [[Tejas Express]]
* [[Gatiman Express]]
* [[Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station]]
* [[Srinagar railway station]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Vande Bharat Express}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:SMVD Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express}}
[[Category:Vande Bharat Express trains]]
[[Category:Named passenger trains of India]]
[[Category:Higher-speed rail]]
[[Category:Express trains in India]]
[[Category:Electric multiple units of India]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Transport in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Transport in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Transport in Srinagar]]

SMVD Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express - Revision history

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