Srinagar: The Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express will begin halting at Reasi station from October 29 on an experimental basis, officials said on Friday.
Currently, the semi–high-speed train has only one stop — at Banihal — between Katra and Srinagar.
“Locals had requested additional halts between Katra and Srinagar for the convenience of regional passengers. Considering this, the railways decided to provide a two-minute stoppage at Reasi on a trial basis,” an official said.
According to an official order, the train will stop for two minutes in both directions. “The commercial department has been directed to monitor ticket sales at the station and submit a report within five months for review,” the order added.
It also stated that the stoppage “should not be withdrawn unless advised by this office.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, marking the first-ever rail link between Jammu and Kashmir’s two regions.
Officials said the new train service has significantly transformed travel between Jammu and Srinagar and received an overwhelming response from passengers. The upcoming Reasi halt marks the first additional stoppage introduced since the service’s launch.
