Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir on April 19 from Katra, marking the completion of the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. The launch will be a significant step in enhancing rail connectivity in the region, which has long awaited improved transportation options. This new Vande Bharat Express will initially operate from Katra, as the Jammu railway station is currently undergoing renovation.
Vande Bharat Express: A Milestone in Kashmir’s Direct Rail Connectivity and Efficiency
The rail link project was completed in February, following years of development. Trial runs of the Vande Bharat Express on the Katra-Baramulla route were successfully conducted, and the train service was approved by the Commissioner of Railway Safety in January. This marks a major achievement in a project that has faced numerous challenges over the years. The inauguration of the new rail service will fulfill a longstanding demand for better direct rail connectivity to Kashmir.
Kashmir’s First Vande Bharat Train Set to Launch on April 19, Enhancing Regional ConnectivityThe Vande Bharat Express is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a modern, faster, and more efficient mode of transport. This service will provide enhanced convenience for travelers in the region, allowing quicker and more comfortable travel options. The introduction of the Vande Bharat train is part of the broader vision to modernize India’s railway infrastructure, ensuring a more efficient transportation system for the public.
Overcoming Challenges: Engineering Feats of Kashmir’s Complex Rail Link and Iconic Structures
The ambitious project to connect Kashmir by train started in 1997 but faced numerous delays due to challenging geological, topographical, and meteorological conditions. The development required overcoming difficult terrain and various logistical hurdles. The rail link includes 38 tunnels spanning a total of 119 kilometers, with the longest being the 12.75-kilometer Tunnel T-49, which is also the country’s longest transportation tunnel.
The rail project features 927 bridges, covering a total length of 13 kilometers. One of the most notable structures is the Chenab Bridge, which is set to become the world’s highest arch railway bridge. With a length of 1,315 meters and an arch span of 467 meters, it stands 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. This bridge, along with the rest of the rail infrastructure, represents a remarkable feat of engineering, underscoring the project’s complexity and importance.