Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Launch Postponed Due to Weather; PM Modi’s Jammu Visit Delayed,new dates soon

The inauguration of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, originally set for April 19 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

During his visit, the Prime Minister was expected to inaugurate key infrastructure projects including the final section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), as well as the Chenab and Anji Khad Rail Bridges—both significant engineering achievements. The Vande Bharat Express connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar was also scheduled to be flagged off on the same day.

However, official sources have stated that due to the weather forecast predicting rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir from April 19 to 22, the visit has been deferred. Helipads had been prepared for the PM’s visit to the bridge sites, but the decision was taken in view of safety concerns.

The India Meteorological Department has issued yellow and orange alerts in the region, forecasting light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over the next few days.

In addition to the infrastructure inaugurations, the Prime Minister was scheduled to address a public gathering in Katra.

Officials confirmed that the new date for the launch will be announced soon, with expectations that the program will be rescheduled before the end of April, subject to favourable weather conditions.