Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat created a sensation! Bookings are full till July, big impact on flight ticket prices:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Vande Bharat Train News: The recently started Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar is getting tremendous response. Almost all the seats in the two pairs of trains started from June 7 are full till July 25. On the IRCTC website, these trains have waiting or "no seat" status till July 25.

This train has given a new option of transportation to both tourists and business class. Compared to last year, this time the number of tourists visiting Kashmir has been more than 3.74 lakh, among which a large number of people are those who now prefer to travel by train.

Decline in air travel, train fares also affected

On April 21, a day before the Pahalgam attack, 104 flights were operated from Srinagar airport, in which about 20,000 passengers travelled. After the attack, the number of flights declined continuously and currently only 48 to 52 flights are being operated per day. According to an airline company, after the start of Vande Bharat, a large section of passengers have started travelling by train instead of flights.

This has also affected the airfares - which was earlier ₹12,000, has now come down to ₹5,000-₹6,000. At the same time, the number of people cancelling flight bookings has increased by 50%.

What is the timing of Vande Bharat?

The fare of Vande Bharat train is also attracting passengers. Economy class fare is ₹700-₹800 and executive class fare is ₹1300-₹1400. The first train from Katra departs at 8:10 am and reaches Srinagar at 11:55 am, while the second one departs at 2:55 pm and reaches Srinagar at 5:35 pm.

The return train from Srinagar departs at 8 am and reaches Katra at 2 pm. So far, about 52,000 passengers have travelled by Vande Bharat, including about 30,000 tourists. Due to this, the occupancy of hotels in Srinagar and nearby areas has reached 100%.

Merchants also got huge benefit, reduction in time and cost

According to Senior Commercial Manager of Railways, Uchit Singhal, passengers are liking the beauty of the train route and about 100 passengers pass through this route daily. A trader from Sopore said that now every goods are reaching the market on time, which has increased the pace of business. According to Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, transportation cost has also been reduced through train. The natural beauty on both sides of the train is attracting passengers, due to which local guides, taxi drivers and hoteliers are also benefiting.