PM Modi to Flag Off Kashmir’s First Vande Bharat Train in April 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir on April 19. The train will depart from Katra, marking the completion of the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. Initially, the Jammu-Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will operate from Katra due to ongoing renovations at the Jammu railway station.

The ambitious rail project, which began in 1997, faced numerous delays due to challenging geological and meteorological conditions. It includes 38 tunnels covering 119 km, with Tunnel T-49 being the longest at 12.75 km. This tunnel is also the country's longest transportation tunnel. Additionally, there are 927 bridges spanning a total of 13 kilometres.

Vande Bharat Express: A Modern Rail Service

The Vande Bharat Express is anticipated to significantly cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar. Officials have confirmed that trial runs on the Katra-Baramulla route were successful. The Commissioner of Railway Safety approved the service between Katra and Kashmir in January. This modern rail service aims to provide efficient connectivity for the region.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that Prime Minister Modi will visit Udhampur on April 19. During his visit, he will inaugurate the world's highest railway bridge before flagging off the Vande Bharat train from Katra. "The inauguration of the train will fulfil a long demand for direct rail connectivity to Kashmir," Singh stated.

Engineering Marvels: Tunnels and Bridges

The project features remarkable engineering feats, including the iconic Chenab Bridge. This bridge measures 1,315 meters in length with an arch span of 467 meters and stands 359 meters above the riverbed. Notably, it is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, making it the world’s highest arch railway bridge.

Currently, train services are limited to routes between Sangaldan and Baramulla in the Valley and from Katra to other parts of India. The new Vande Bharat Express will address this by providing direct rail connectivity to Kashmir, meeting a long-standing demand.

Officials reported that the rail link project was completed last month. The introduction of this train service is expected to enhance regional connectivity and boost economic activities by facilitating easier access to Kashmir.