On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, a significant milestone in Indian railway history. The express train journeyed over the breathtaking Chenab and Anji rail bridges, symbolizing progress and coectivity in the region.
Recently, various parts of the Kashmir Valley, including Budgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara, were covered in a layer of fresh snow, bringing a picturesque winter wonderland to the region. Srinagar city also experienced its first snowfall of the season, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
Despite the weather disruption leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and flight cancellations, train operations in the Kashmir Valley remained unhampered. The dedicated railway staff in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway worked tirelessly to clear snow from the tracks, ensuring the safe and smooth movement of trains, including the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, with its swift and efficient service, has significantly reduced travel time between Katra and Srinagar. Introduced by Prime Minister Modi, the express train journey takes just three hours, cutting down the journey duration by two to three hours.
Currently, two Vande Bharat trains are operational on the Katra-Srinagar route, offering convenient and comfortable travel options for passengers. These trains, numbered 26402/26401 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and 26404/26403 Srinagar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, commenced their commercial services on June 7, 2025.
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court granted permission for simultaneous Basant Panchami puja and namaz at the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district. The ruling follows a plea by the Hindu Front for Justice (HFJ) to allow prayers during the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, resolving a long-standing dispute surrounding the complex.
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