Reasi— The Northern Railways has announced that the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will begin halting at Reasi station from October 29, marking its first additional stop since the train’s inauguration earlier this year.
The new stoppage, introduced on an experimental basis, comes in response to strong local demand for more convenient boarding options between Katra and Srinagar. Until now, the semi-high-speed train had only one halt at Banihal on this route.
“Locals had requested more stops for the convenience of regional passengers. The railways decided to introduce one additional halt at Reasi on an experimental basis,” an official said.
According to a formal order, the Vande Bharat Express will stop for two minutes at Reasi station in both directions. The commercial department has been instructed to monitor ticket sales at the new stop and submit a performance report within five months for review. “The stoppage should not be withdrawn unless advised by this office,” the order further stated.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, establishing the first direct semi-high-speed rail link between the Jammu region and the Kashmir valley.
Officials noted that the train has received an overwhelming response from travellers since its launch, transforming passenger movement between Jammu and Srinagar. The new Reasi halt is expected to further boost connectivity and passenger convenience in the region.
