• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar on April 19, fulfilling a 70-year dream of connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. This landmark railway service aims to boost tourism, agriculture, industry, and education, while providing year-round connectivity for the people of Kashmir.

The train, designed with advanced anti-freezing technology, is built to operate smoothly in extreme cold weather conditions. This development is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which has been in progress for decades.

PM Modi to Inaugurate the Kashmir Rail Link

According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi will flag off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express in the presence of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The new rail service will begin in Katra, cross the Pir Panjal mountain range, and reach Baramulla in North Kashmir, providing much-needed connectivity to the region.

Currently, the Vande Bharat Express operates only between Sangaldan and Baramulla, but the new extension will connect Katra to the Kashmir Valley, reducing travel time and improving accessibility.

PM Modi’s Visit Schedule

As per official reports, Prime Minister Modi will arrive at the Udhampur Army Airport on April 19. He will then visit the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, where he will receive a detailed briefing on its construction, which is considered an engineering marvel.

After this, the Prime Minister will travel to Katra to officially launch the Vande Bharat Express. Before returning to Delhi, he will address a public rally in Katra to celebrate this milestone.

No Direct Train from Delhi Yet

At present, there will be no direct train from Delhi or other major cities to Kashmir. Passengers will need to switch trains at Katra to continue their journey to the Valley.

Railway officials have confirmed that once expansion work at the Jammu railway station is completed—expected by July-August 2025, a direct train service from Jammu to Kashmir will be launched.

Rs 41,000 Crore Rail Project Completed

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) spans 272 km, with 209 km already operational. The project, which has cost Rs 41,000 crore, was developed in multiple phases:

1. 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section (Operational since October 2009)

2. 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section (Operational since June 2013)

3. 25 km Udhampur-Katra section (Operational since July 2014)

4. 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section (Operational since February 2023)

The 46 km Sangaldan-Reasi section was completed in June 2023, leaving only 17 km between Reasi and Katra, which was finished recently. This final segment allowed for the successful testing of the Vande Bharat Express on the route.

In recent months, safety inspections and trial runs were conducted on key sections of the track, including the Anji Khad Bridge and Chenab Bridge, to ensure the line’s readiness.

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High-Advanced Train Design for Harsh Winters

The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is specially designed to function in extreme winter conditions. Built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the train can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees C.

It features:

- Advanced heating systems for passenger comfort.

- CCTV cameras and emergency talk-back units for safety.

- Shatterproof windows and anti-frost windshields to ensure clear visibility.

These upgrades make the train capable of providing reliable service throughout the year, even during heavy snowfall and freezing conditions.

Boost for Kashmir’s Economy

The new railway line is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Kashmir by promoting tourism, horticulture, agriculture, and industry.

With all-weather rail connectivity, the region will no longer be reliant on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, which often closes due to landslides and heavy snow. This improved transport infrastructure will also reduce the cost of moving goods, enhancing trade and supporting local businesses.

“This rail link is more than just a transport route, it’s a lifeline for Kashmir’s economic growth and better quality of life,” a senior railway official said.

The launch of the Vande Bharat Express marks a historic milestone, offering faster travel, economic opportunity, and year-round access to and from the Kashmir Valley.

WITH INPUTS FROM IANS