Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Train Launch Postponed

Banihal, Feb 16: The launch of the Vande Bharat Express train service between Katra and Srinagar has been postponed.

Sources said that Initially scheduled for February 17, the launch is now expected to take place on February 21 or 22.

While no official order had been issued for the February 17 launch, Northern Railway authorities had received verbal instructions to prepare and restrict employee leaves.

A fresh verbal order has now delayed the launch, with sources attributing the postponement to the government formation and swearing-in ceremony in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the service on the revised date.

When contacted, Chief Area Manager Budgam (CAM) Kashmir Railway Saqib Yusuf stated that no official order has been issued for commencing the service on February 17 or the revised dates. He added that these reports have not been confirmed through any official announcement. (KDC)