JAMMU, Mar 26, KDC: The long-awaited rail connectivity to Kashmir will finally become a reality on April 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the first train to the Valley from Katra. The inaugural event will be attended by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union MoS PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The train will initially run between Katra and Baramulla, with plans to extend the service from Jammu once the station’s expansion is completed by July-August.
Ahead of the launch, security and operational assessments have been carried out, with multiple successful trial runs, including those of the Vande Bharat train. The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which cost ₹41,000 crore, has been completed in phases, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
The final 17-km stretch between Reasi and Katra was finished recently, enabling the full connectivity of the region. PM Modi is also expected to visit the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, before inaugurating the service.
The new rail service will feature a specially designed Vande Bharat Express with anti-freezing technology to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. The train, manufactured by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), is equipped with advanced heating systems, CCTV surveillance, and emergency communication units. Although not bulletproof, it features shatterproof windows for added safety.
Security reviews have been conducted by top officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and the Railway Board Chairman. Trials on key segments, including the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges, have been successful, ensuring the route’s operational readiness. The new train service is expected to significantly improve connectivity and boost economic and tourism opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. (KDC)