Srinagar, Feb 11: In a historic step towards enhancing railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first train service to the Valley on February 17, marking the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The Prime Minister will flag off the Vande Bharat Express from the Jammu division. “After years of hard work, technical excellence, and persistent dedication, the long-awaited dream of railway connectivity to Kashmir has come true.
The Vande Bharat Express will soon operate on this crucial route,” the official stated. As part of the USBRL project, Indian Railways has successfully conducted multiple trial runs over some of the country’s most iconic railway bridges.
The Anji Khad Bridge, with a towering 331-meter-high pylon, stands as a remarkable engineering achievement, while the Chenab Bridge, at a height of 359 meters, holds the record as the world’s tallest railway bridge, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower.
These bridges not only improve connectivity but also highlight India’s advancements in infrastructure and technology. “The train has been specifically designed to withstand Jammu and Kashmir’s harsh winter conditions on the Katra-Srinagar route,” the official added. “It features advanced climate-resistant technology, including heating systems that prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks.”
Additionally, the air-brake system has been fine-tuned to function smoothly in sub-zero temperatures. “The Vande Bharat Express also includes embedded heating elements in the windshield to prevent frost accumulation, ensuring clear visibility for the driver during extreme winter conditions,” the official explained. “Along with these winter-specific adaptations, the train provides all standard Vande Bharat features, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets.”
