Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a new train service to Kashmir on February 17, marking an important step in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. He will flag off the specially designed Vande Bharat Express from the Jammu division.
An official said that after years of hard work and engineering, the dream of having a railway connection to Kashmir is finally coming true. “The Vande Bharat Express will soon run on this historic route,” the official added.
As part of the USBRL project, Indian Railways has successfully completed several trial runs, showcasing impressive engineering achievements. The Anji Khad Bridge, which is 331 meters high, and the Chenab Bridge, standing at 359 meters, are notable examples. The Chenab Bridge is the highest railway bridge in the world, even taller than the Eiffel Tower. These bridges will help improve travel in the region and highlight India’s engineering skills.
The Vande Bharat Express is specially designed to work well in the harsh winter conditions of Jammu and Kashmir along the Katra-Srinagar route. It has advanced heating systems to prevent water and toilet tanks from freezing. The train also has an air-brake system that works smoothly even in very cold weather.
To ensure the driver can see clearly in winter, the train has heating elements in the windshield that automatically defrost the front glass. Besides these special features, the train will offer all the usual comforts of Vande Bharat trains, including air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, and mobile charging sockets.
This new train service is expected to greatly improve travel options for people in Kashmir and boost the region’s economy.
