Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Reasi, October 25 To boost regional connectivity and tourism, Northern Railway has announced two-minute additional stoppage for Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Reasi station from October 29.
The decision, introduced on a five-month trial basis, has been widely celebrated by residents, who see it as a game-changer for the area’s economy and youth employment.
The semi-high-speed train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, currently makes just one stop at Banihal between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar.
Train Nos. 26401 (Katra-Srinagar) and 26402 (Srinagar-Katra) will now stop at Reasi for commuting, depart from Katra at 08:10 am and reach Srinagar at 11:08 am, thereby increasing accessibility as well as reducing travel time.
“This responds to the continuous local demands and increasing passenger traffic from Reasi, a major religious and tourist center near the Vaishno Devi Temple and the iconic Chenab Bridge,” said Utish Singhal, senior divisional commercial manager, Jammu division.
The local people expressed gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav for listening to them.
Speaking anonymously to IANS, a resident said, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you Minister Vaishnav. This was necessary – tourism will pick up, which will bring more tourists to Reasi. Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, we have seen bridges being built and now this much-awaited train stopping. This will cut unemployment and empower our youth.”
Pankaj Malhotra, another local resident, echoed the same point, “Reasi had earlier demanded a bridge, and it happened. Now, from October 29, the Vande Bharat halt will bring in outsiders, which will boost business in shops, taxis and create jobs for all.”
Trade organizations hailed the move as a “landmark” and predicted an increase in the number of pilgrims to nearby sites such as the world’s tallest railway arch.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, has transformed the transportation landscape of Jammu and Kashmir since its partial inauguration.
Officials will closely monitor ticket sales, with a review to be conducted after five months to assess feasibility.
“Vande Bharat has redefined speed and comfort for passengers in Jammu and Kashmir,” Singhal said.
–IANS
sktr/and