SRINAGAR: Kashmir is on the brink of a major milestone as the region is finally integrating with India’s extensive railway network.
The first-ever direct train from Katra to Srinagar is expected to commence operations on February 17, marking a historic development for the region.
According to exclusive information obtained by The New Indian, the much-anticipated Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set for an inaugural run on February 17, with authorities making final preparations for the landmark event. However, there has been no official announcement confirming the schedule yet.
Sources further revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally flag off the inaugural journey from Katra.
Senior railway officials have been directed to ensure everything is in place for the February 17 launch, and all railway personnel have been instructed to remain on duty, with leave cancellations issued in anticipation of the grand occasion.
With its ceremonial launch by PM Modi, the Vande Bharat Express will operate on what is considered India’s most ambitious railway project—one that traverses some of the most rugged and challenging terrains in the world.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) stands as a testament to cutting-edge engineering, featuring some of the country’s most remarkable railway infrastructure. Among its key highlights is the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, with a soaring pylon standing at 331 metres.
Additionally, the Chenab Rail Bridge—the highest railway bridge in the world—towers at an astonishing 359 metres above the riverbed, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower.
This masterpiece of engineering is also the world’s tallest arch railway bridge, further enhancing the prestige of the USBRL project.
The Vande Bharat Express on this route will navigate over two dozen tunnels, drastically reducing travel time while ensuring a smooth ride. Unlike its counterparts across India, this specially designed climate-resilient train is built to endure the region’s extreme weather conditions.
Engineered for harsh winters, it features an advanced anti-freezing system, allowing seamless operation even in temperatures as low as -20°C.
To combat the severe cold, the train is equipped with sophisticated heating technology, ensuring passenger comfort and uninterrupted service.
Additionally, the driver’s cabin boasts a heated windshield, preventing fogging and ice accumulation, thereby maintaining clear visibility.
The train’s plumbing and bio-toilets also include built-in heating elements to prevent freezing, guaranteeing uninterrupted water supply and essential services even in the coldest conditions.
This groundbreaking railway connection is expected to be a game-changer for Kashmir, enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and accelerating economic growth in the region.
