Special trains to run between Katra-Srinagar to ease passenger rush – full schedule and timings you need to know

Northern Railway operates special trains between Katra and Srinagar on February 3–4 to ease passenger rush amid snowfall, ensuring smooth travel for pilgrims and tourists visiting Kashmir. (File Image)

• Northern Railway to run special trains between Katra and Srinagar on Feb 3 and 4
• Extra trains added due to heavy snowfall and increased passenger demand
• All trains will halt at Banihal; passengers advised to check reservations early

Did our AI summary help?

In a relief for pilgrims and tourists heading to Kashmir, Northern Railway (NR) has announced the operation of additional special reserved trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Katra and Srinagar for two days, as heavy snowfall and weather disruptions continue to push up passenger demand in the Valley.

The Jammu division of Northern Railway confirmed that an additional pair of special trains will run on February 3 and February 4, 2026, aiming to ease congestion on the crucial Katra–Srinagar rail route. The decision comes amid road closures and flight disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, leaving many travellers dependent on rail connectivity.

Image: PTI

Special train services between SMVD Katra and Srinagar

According to railway officials, the special trains will operate on the SMVD Katra–Srinagar–SMVD Katra sector on both days, with a scheduled halt at Banihal, an important transit point on the route.

Train schedule for February 3, 2026:

Train No. 04627 will depart from SMVD Katra at 8:10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11:10 am.

The return service, Train No. 04628, will leave Srinagar at 2:00 pm and reach SMVD Katra at 5:00 pm.

Train schedule for February 4, 2026:

Train No. 04629 will depart SMVD Katra at 10:00 am and reach Srinagar at 1:30 pm.

The return train, Train No. 04630, will depart Srinagar at 3:00 pm and arrive at SMVD Katra at 6:00 pm.

Both services will halt at Banihal, officials said.

Railways prioritise passenger convenience

Northern Railway officials said similar special trains were operated on January 27 and 28, which received an encouraging response from passengers amid harsh winter conditions in Kashmir.

Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, said, "The service proved very beneficial for the people of Kashmir as well as tourists. Prioritising passenger convenience once again, the special train is being operated afresh."

Railway authorities said the move is expected to significantly help Vaishno Devi pilgrims, local residents, and tourists visiting snowbound Kashmir, especially as road travel remains unpredictable due to snowfall and landslides.

What passengers should know

Passengers planning to travel on the Katra–Srinagar route during these dates are advised to:

• Check reservation availability in advance.
• Monitor official railway updates for any weather-related changes.
• Plan journeys early, as demand for seats is expected to remain high.

With winter tourism peaking and connectivity challenges persisting, the additional special trains are expected to provide much-needed relief and smoother travel for those heading to or returning from the Valley.