Newly Launched Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Bookings Full Until July
en-gbKatra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train receives great response, boosting tourism and trade. Airfare has also dropped by 50%.
The recently launched Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar is receiving a tremendous response. Since its launch on June 7, almost all seats are booked until July 25 on the two pairs of trains. The IRCTC website shows a waiting list or "no seat" status for these trains.
This train has provided a new travel option for both tourists and business travellers. The number of tourists visiting Kashmir this year has exceeded 3.74 lakh compared to last year, with a large number of people now preferring to travel by train.
Decline in Air Travel, Train Also Impacts Fares
On April 21st, a day before the Pahalgam attack, 104 flights operated from Srinagar Airport, carrying approximately 20,000 passengers. After the attack, the number of flights has steadily decreased, and currently, only 48 to 52 flights operate daily. According to an airline company, a large segment of passengers has started travelling by train instead of flights after the launch of Vande Bharat.
This has also affected air fares, which have dropped from ₹12,000 to ₹5,000-₹6,000. Furthermore, there has been a 50% increase in the number of people cancelling flight bookings.
What are the Timings of Vande Bharat?
The fare of the Vande Bharat train is also attracting passengers. The economy class fare is Rs 700-800 and the executive class is Rs 1,300-Rs 1,400. The first train from Katra departs at 8:10 AM and reaches Srinagar at 11:55 AM, while the second train departs at 2:55 PM and reaches Srinagar at 5:35 PM.
The return train from Srinagar departs at 8 AM and reaches Katra at 2 PM. So far, approximately 52,000 passengers have traveled by Vande Bharat, including about 30,000 tourists. This has led to 100% occupancy in hotels in Srinagar and surrounding areas.
According to Railway Senior Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, passengers are very fond of the beauty of the train route, and about 100 passengers travel this route daily. A businessman from Sopore said that now every consignment reaches the market on time, which has accelerated business. According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, there has also been a reduction in transportation costs through the train. The natural beauty on both sides of the train is attracting passengers, benefiting local guides, taxi drivers, and hotel businesses as well.
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