Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on April 19from Katra, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Monday. The launch will take place during the PM’s visit to Udhampur, where he will also inspect and inaugurate the world’s highest railway bridge, built over the Chenab River.
The Vande Bharat train is being flagged off from Katra temporarily, as the Jammu railway station is currently under renovation. According to Singh, the train will begin its full-fledged operations from Jammu once the revamp is completed, likely around August.
India’s First Vande Bharat In Kashmir: Designed For Snow And Sub-Zero Travel
The Ministry of Railways said the new train service is specially designed to withstand extreme cold, with modifications allowing it to operate in temperatures as low as -20°C. It includes:
• Anti-freezing technology in plumbing and bio-toilets
• Heated windscreens in the driver’s cabin to prevent fogging
• Advanced heating systems for passenger and crew comfort
• Anti-vibration seismic devices to ensure safety in the Himalayan earthquake-prone zone
To ensure uninterrupted year-round service, a snow clearance train will run ahead of the Vande Bharat Express and freight trains on this crucial link between Jammu and Srinagar.
“The Vande Bharat Express running in Kashmir is different from those elsewhere in India. It is specially designed for the region’s harsh climate and seismic vulnerability,” the Railway Ministry stated.
High-Altitude Engineering Feat
PM Modi’s visit will also include an inspection of the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, a symbol of India’s engineering prowess. The inauguration of the Vande Bharat train from this strategic and scenic route underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The move is expected to significantly boost tourism and mobility, offering residents and travelers a high-speed, all-weather transport option.
