• Source:JND

In a major push to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, a specially designed Vande Bharat Express will begin operations between the twin capitals, Jammu and Srinagar, from April 30.

The premium service, which has been running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar for over nine months, will now be extended to Jammu Tawi, improving direct connectivity across the region.

The train was originally flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 last year following the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which enabled all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

According to a notification issued by Northern Railway, the extended service up to Jammu Tawi will be launched as a special run on April 30, with the train scheduled to depart from Jammu at 10:30 am.

Built for Extreme Weather Conditions

Officials said the train has been specially engineered to tackle the region’s challenging terrain and harsh winters.

“This train retains its semi-high-speed capability and, for the first time, incorporates ‘winterisation’ technology to ensure smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures,” they said.

The train is equipped with advanced heating systems, including self-regulating heating cables to prevent water pipelines from freezing, and 1800W silicon heating pads installed in water tanks.

Heating provisions have also been extended to bio-toilets and auxiliary tanks to ensure uninterrupted sanitation even in extreme cold conditions.

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To enhance passenger comfort, warm air ducts have been extended to restrooms, and heaters, along with thermal insulation, have been installed in Indian-style toilets. A water-draining facility has also been incorporated to prevent freezing during stabling.

In a first for Indian Railways, an embedded heating element has been installed in the driver’s windshield to prevent fogging during snowfall and ensure clear visibility. Heaters have also been fitted in the air dryer system to maintain efficient braking performance, they said.

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Equipped with modern features, including full air-conditioning, automatic plug doors, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance and regenerative braking, the train is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 km per hour.


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