The Kashmir Valley is finally getting connected to India’s railway network, with the first direct train from Katra to Srinagar expected to be inaugurated on February 17.
According to sources, preparations are underway for the grand inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar train service. However, there has been no official confirmation yet.
Sources also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the Vande Bharat train from Katra. Railway officials have been instructed to be ready for the event, and no leaves will be granted to employees next week due to the historic occasion.
This launch marks a major milestone in India’s railway history, as the Vande Bharat train will run on one of the country’s most ambitious and challenging railway routes.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a remarkable engineering achievement. It includes India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge, which has a 331-meter-high pylon. The route also features the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed.
The USBRL project consists of multiple tunnels, reducing travel time for the Vande Bharat train. This train has been specially designed for extreme cold conditions, with anti-freezing features, an advanced heating system, and a heated windshield to prevent fogging. Even the plumbing and bio-toilets have heating elements to prevent water from freezing, ensuring smooth operation in temperatures as low as -20°C.
With these features, the new Vande Bharat train will provide a reliable and comfortable travel experience in Kashmir’s harsh winters.
