New Vande Bharat Train designed for J&K winter launched

Special designed Vande Bharat Express features advanced adaptations for extreme weather, according to railway authorities.

| Updated: 08 January, 2025 4:16 pm IST
Railway Board introduced a specially designed Vande Bharat Express, in Jammu & Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Railway Board introduced a specially designed Vande Bharat Express, tailored to operate efficiently in Jammu & Kashmir’s harsh winter climate, for the upcoming Katra-Srinagar rail corridor.

 

The route is currently undergoing a thorough review by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, officials reported.

 

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Stationed at the Shakurbasti depot in New Delhi, the train features advanced adaptations for extreme weather, according to railway authorities.

 

Speaking to the media, Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, detailed the train’s enhancements. “It includes advanced heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, ensure warm air circulation in vacuum systems and lavatories, and maintain the air-brake system’s functionality in sub-zero temperatures.”

 

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Kumar also highlighted an innovative feature: embedded heating elements in the windshield, allowing the driver’s front glass to defrost automatically for clear visibility during severe winters.

 

Apart from its climate-specific features, the train retains all standard amenities of Vande Bharat Express, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging facilities.

 

Railway officials emphasized that this train represents a significant step in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the national railway grid, showcasing India’s commitment to bridging regional and economic divides.

 

On January 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Jammu Railway Division, hailing it as a transformative milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity and infrastructure development.

 

During the event, PM Modi congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, describing the integration of the region into India’s national railway network as a pivotal step in modernizing Indian Railways.

 

“This marks a major leap towards making Indian Railways a global leader in speed, efficiency, and passenger experience,” he stated.

 

He highlighted the achievements of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, including India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge over Anji Khad and the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River, both marvels of engineering.

 

The Prime Minister emphasized that the new division will benefit not only Jammu and Kashmir but also neighboring regions like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh.

 

He called the project a testament to the government’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and a significant step toward a “Vikshit Bharat” (Developed India).

 

The train is anticipated to enhance connectivity, ensuring year-round access and comfort for passengers traveling through the challenging terrains of Jammu & Kashmir.

 

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