Srinagar: The long-cherished dream of a train to Kashmir is finally nearing reality with the successful trial run of the first Vande Bharat train conducted from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station in Katra to central Kashmir on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the service next month, after which the much-anticipated train to Kashmir will officially begin operations.
According to officials, the train departed from Katra at 8 am and reached Srinagar by 11 am, crossing two of India’s engineering marvels en route. These include the Anji Khad Bridge, the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Bridge at Sangaldan, which holds the record as the world’s highest railway bridge.
“The trial run of the Vande Bharat train was successfully conducted from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, to Budgam today,” said Chief Area Manager Kashmir Northern Railways Saqib Yousuf.
The Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is equipped with cutting-edge features designed to ensure smooth operations even during harsh winter conditions. These include heating systems throughout the train, such as heaters in lavatories and vacuum systems to maintain passenger comfort, and self-regulating heating cables to keep water flowing in the plumbing.
The driver’s windshield is equipped with heating elements to prevent fogging and freezing, while bio-toilets have heating systems to prevent water from freezing. The air brake system also features heating to maintain optimal performance in sub-zero temperatures.
For enhanced safety, the train is equipped with anti-spall layers to protect the driver during extreme weather. Passengers can enjoy a host of modern amenities, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, mobile charging sockets, and overhead luggage racks, offering a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Despite these advancements, the train service will not directly connect Srinagar and Delhi for the time being. Passengers traveling to Kashmir will need to de-board at Katra, where the train will be sanitized before continuing to Srinagar. Similarly, passengers traveling from Kashmir will de-board at Katra to board another train for the onward journey.
