June 7, Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express between Katra in Jammu and Srinagar in Kashmir, marking a historic moment in Indian railway and infrastructure development. The launch significantly reduces travel time between the two regions and ensures all-weather surface connectivity to the Kashmir Valley for the first time.
Present at the flag-off ceremony were Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, underscoring the importance of the project at both regional and national levels.
A Special Day for Jammu & Kashmir
Prime Minister Modi had earlier described the launch day as “a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir,” highlighting the socio-economic impact of the train service. He emphasized that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which facilitates the Vande Bharat service, would not only ensure all-weather connectivity but also boost spiritual tourism and generate new livelihood opportunities.
A Technological Marvel in the Himalayas
The USBRL project, hailed as one of independent India’s most ambitious railway undertakings, spans 272 kilometers through the Himalayan terrain. Constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, it features:
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36 tunnels stretching 119 kilometers
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943 bridges, including engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge, and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad
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The longest rail tunnel between Khari and Sumber
The route has been fully electrified and designed to link remote mountain communities with the national railway network, significantly enhancing mobility, trade, and tourism in the region.
Vande Bharat Tailored for Harsh Winters
Recognizing the extreme Himalayan climate, the Vande Bharat trains operating on this route are built to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. Key features include:
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Heated windshields and advanced cabin heating systems
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Insulated toilets for cold conditions
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Seismic dampers to enhance safety in earthquake-prone zones
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A snow removal train to clear tracks during heavy snowfall, ensuring uninterrupted service year-round
Passenger Comfort and Ticketing
According to Northern Railway, the train offers two classes:
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Chair Car (CC): ₹715
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Executive Class (EC): ₹1,320
These pricing options make the journey accessible and comfortable for a wide range of passengers.
A New Chapter for Jammu & Kashmir
The new rail link and high-speed service are expected to transform the economic and tourism landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, offering greater integration with the rest of India. It will serve as a lifeline for locals, pilgrims, and tourists alike, enhancing connectivity, boosting local businesses, and fostering regional development.
