“Our entire Kashmir package felt recovered in the train ride itself,” say tourists
“Earlier snowfall meant isolation; now rail connectivity is reviving winter tourism,” say stakeholders
TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 24: As fresh and intense snowfall crippled road and air connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, the Vande Bharat Express has emerged as a dependable lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted access to the region even amid harsh winter conditions. Unlike earlier years, when heavy snowfall often meant prolonged isolation, the Valley this winter has remained connected with the rest of the country through rail—offering rare relief to tourists, locals and stakeholders alike.
For the second consecutive day, the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remained closed due to snow accumulation and icy conditions, while several flights were cancelled owing to poor visibility. In this scenario, the Vande Bharat Express stood out as the only reliable mode of transport, ferrying passengers safely and comfortably through snowbound landscapes.
Tourists arriving in Kashmir over the past two days described their journey aboard the Vande Bharat as an experience in itself—one that rivalled, and in some cases surpassed, the rest of their travel itinerary.
“Vande Bharat’s journey through Kashmir felt unreal. Everything was wrapped in white and the views were absolutely unforgettable,” said Ajay, a Bengaluru-based tourist, moments after reaching Srinagar.
Another tourist travelling to the Valley echoed similar sentiments, saying the train ride alone justified the entire trip. “Honestly, our whole Kashmir trip package felt recovered in the train journey itself. The comfort, speed and the scenic beauty outside the windows made the ride unforgettable. Even before reaching our hotel, we felt the trip was already worth it,” he said.
Passengers were particularly awestruck as the train crossed some of the world’s most remarkable railway engineering feats. “When the train crossed the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest railway bridge standing 359 metres above the river—it was breathtaking,” said one tourist. “Snow-covered mountains, frozen streams, pine forests and silent villages passed right outside our windows. It felt like postcard scenes coming alive, and we couldn’t stop filming the entire ride.”
Rakesh Mehta, a tourist from Mumbai, told Kashmir Despatch that the experience was unlike anything he had witnessed before. “It felt like travelling through Switzerland, but this is our own Kashmir. From the window, everything looked magical—white mountains, deep valleys and snowfall following the train. Kashmir truly feels like heaven on earth,” he said.
Neha Sharma from Delhi said the journey itself became the highlight of her winter vacation. “We were worried because flights were uncertain and roads were closed, but the Vande Bharat made travel safe and comfortable. Watching snowfall while crossing high bridges and long tunnels was thrilling. The train ride alone is worth coming to Kashmir in winter,” she said.
Local tourism stakeholders say the impact of the all-weather rail connectivity is already visible. Altad Ahmad, a tourist guide in Gulmarg, said that winters—once considered an off-season due to frequent disruptions—are now witnessing renewed interest.
“Earlier, snowfall meant isolation. Highways would shut down and flights would get cancelled, leaving tourists stranded or forcing them to cancel their plans,” said a Srinagar-based hotelier. “Now, even during heavy snowfall, tourists can still reach the Valley. This has completely changed the winter tourism landscape.”
Railway authorities, meanwhile, have underlined that the Kashmir rail link has been specifically designed to operate under extreme weather conditions, making it a dependable option during harsh winters. Apart from passenger movement, the service also ensures the steady transportation of essential supplies when road and air routes fail.
Officials pointed out that the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat is distinctly different from the other 163 Vande Bharat trains running across the country. “This eight-coach train has been specially built to withstand sub-zero temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius,” an official said.
Tourists who had previously travelled to Kashmir by road highlighted the stark contrast. “Last year, I visited Kashmir in December by road from Jammu, and the journey was exhausting—it took nearly nine hours,” said a Delhi-based tourist. “This year, travelling by Vande Bharat, it took us just three hours, and the ride was extremely smooth. I would strongly recommend everyone to use this service—not just for the scenic beauty, but for the comfort and hassle-free journey it offers.”
It is pertinent to mention that the Vande Bharat train, inaugurated in June 2025, is equipped with advanced heating systems, fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, onboard catering facilities, bio-toilets and anti-seismic vibration technology. These features ensure passenger safety and comfort while navigating the challenging mountainous terrain of the Kashmir region.
As snowfall continues to paint the Valley white, the Vande Bharat Express is not just moving passengers—it is redefining winter travel to Kashmir, transforming what was once isolation into access, and turning a journey into a destination in itself.
