Jammu, Jan 24 (KNO): Ahead of formal operations in Kashmir, the rake of the specially designed Vande Bharat Express train arrived at Jammu Tawi railway station, drawing a large crowd eager to witness the historic moment.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the train, arriving at platform number 1 of the stations, is set to commence operations between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station and Kashmir, offering seamless, all-weather travel options to passengers.
As the train arrived, the Jammu Tawi railway station echoed with a unique announcement: “Yatrigan kripya dhyan dein, Vande Bharat train sankhya 244027 Kashmir jane ke liye platform number ek par khadi hai.”
This train, compared to the other 136 Vande Bharat Express trains operating nationwide, features climate-specific enhancements to address operational challenges and passengers' needs in Jammu and Kashmir's extreme weather conditions.
Key features include advanced heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, warm air for vacuum systems, and optimized air-brake functionality for smooth operations in sub-zero temperatures. Embedded heating elements in the windshield ensure clear visibility by defrosting the driver’s front lookout glass during harsh winters.
Additionally, the train boasts all standard Vande Bharat amenities, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets.
By linking the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network, this train underscores India’s commitment to bridging geographical and economic gaps, while promising a world-class travel experience on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Operated by the Northern Railway zone, this is the third Vande Bharat train for the region, following two successful routes connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Delhi.
*Route and launch details*
Sporting an orange-and-grey colour scheme, the ultra-modern train will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. Commercial services are expected to begin in February 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to flag off the inaugural journey in the first week of the month. The Railway Board is yet to finalize the exact date and time.
*Train timings*
Covering over 150 km in just 2 hours and 30 minutes, the Vande Bharat Express is set to revolutionize travel in Kashmir with its cutting-edge features and reduced travel time. The train’s design and speed have been developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
The commissioner of Railway Safety has approved the train's operation on the Katra-Baramulla section, with the Railways completing the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This development is expected to boost connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, enhance tourism, and provide a more convenient travel experience.
*USBRL inauguration*
The USBRL section is set to be inaugurated in February 2025. Ahead of the launch, Northern Railways' North circle directed its Firozpur division to move USBRL Vande Bharat rakes for trials between SVDK and Baramulla on January 24 and 25, 2025.
Over the past month, Indian Railways has conducted six trial runs on the USBRL section, which includes engineering marvels such as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic Chenab River arch bridge.
The Anji Khad Bridge, a critical part of the USBRL project, features a 331-metre-high single pylon, making it one of the world’s two highest railway bridges alongside the Chenab Bridge at Kauri, the latter standing 359 metres above the river bed and 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris—(KNO)