NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, 25 Jan(NVI): The Vande Bharat Express has successfully completed its trial run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, to Budgam in Kashmir, marking a significant milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The trial, conducted today, saw the high-speed train passing through the iconic Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
The 272-kilometer rail link connecting Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla has now been fully completed, ensuring enhanced connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of Jammu & Kashmir. This completion has been hailed as a game-changer, as it facilitates faster and more efficient transportation across the region, making travel easier and more accessible for both locals and tourists.
Vande Bharat Express, designed specifically for India’s varied climate conditions, is a state-of-the-art train built with the latest technology to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience. The train is uniquely suited for the harsh winters of the Kashmir Valley, equipped with features like advanced heating systems, bio-toilets, and triple-layered heated windscreens. These features ensure smooth operations in sub-zero temperatures, with the train capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -30°C. The added heating systems prevent water and bio-toilet tanks from freezing during the cold months.
The Vande Bharat Express is the third such train to be introduced in Jammu & Kashmir, but the first to serve the Kashmir Valley. The Northern Railway zone will oversee its operations and maintenance, ensuring the efficient running of the service for years to come. The trial run’s successful completion has generated much enthusiasm, as it paves the way for the train’s official launch and commercial operations, bringing advanced rail transport to the region.
This new rail service is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure in the region, especially the USBRL project, which has been under construction for over a decade. The project is not only significant in terms of its technical accomplishments but also represents a major step towards boosting tourism, commerce, and overall regional development.
The inclusion of the Chenab Bridge, which stands at a towering height of 359 metres, is an engineering marvel that underscores the project’s resilience, given the region’s challenging terrain. The bridge’s completion, along with other aspects of the USBRL project, has placed Jammu & Kashmir on the map for having one of the most advanced and robust rail networks in the country.
With the successful trial run completed, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to revolutionize travel in the region, offering a modern, faster, and more reliable means of transport. The introduction of this train aligns with the government’s vision to improve connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, foster regional development, and ensure greater accessibility for all. The train’s high-speed service promises to make long journeys more efficient, reducing travel time and boosting both tourism and local business in the region.(News Vibes of India)
