In a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s rail infrastructure, Indian Railways on Saturday successfully conducted the first trial run of the specially designed Vande Bharat Express. The test run, which traveled from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to Srinagar railway station, passed through two engineering marvels — the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
The Vande Bharat Express briefly halted at Jammu around 11:30 am, where it was warmly welcomed with slogans and praises for Indian Railways. After the brief stop, the train continued its journey towards Budgam Station to complete its trial run.
Three engineering marvels of Bharat;
Vande Bharat crossing over Chenab bridge and Anji khad bridge.
Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/tZzvHD3pXq— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 25, 2025
The commercial operations of the the train are expected to begin soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to flag off the inaugural journey from Katra. The exact date of the flagging-off ceremony is yet to be announced.
Special Features of the Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir
The newly designed train for Jammu and Kashmir is specifically engineered to tackle the region’s challenging winter conditions. The train features several unique climate-related modifications to ensure smooth operations, even in sub-zero temperatures.
ALSO READ: Jammu and Kashmir gets special Vande Bharat train which can run smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures
Some of the standout features include advanced heating systems that prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for the vacuum system, and maintain optimal functioning of the air-brake system. The train is also equipped with embedded heating elements in the windshield, which automatically defrost the driver’s lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility even during harsh winter conditions.
In addition to these enhancements, the Vande Bharat Express retains the popular amenities found in other Vande Bharat trains across the country, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets for passengers’ convenience.
Significance of the Vande Bharat Express for Jammu and Kashmir
Officials highlight that the Vande Bharat Express symbolizes India’s commitment to connecting remote regions and fostering economic integration. This trial run is an essential step towards completing the 272-km USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the broader Indian Railway network. The successful trial run is expected to revolutionize connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir, making travel more efficient and accessible for residents and tourists alike.
As the train moves closer to its commercial launch, it stands as a testament to the country’s push for advanced, climate-resilient transportation infrastructure, enhancing both local and national connectivity.
