Security has been tightened in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the region on April 19. He will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat train that connects the Katra area to Srinagar—a significant milestone for many who have long awaited this railway link.
On the day of the inauguration, two Vande Bharat Express trains will start operating: one from Srinagar to Katra and the other going in the opposite direction. This will provide a fast and efficient travel option for both locals and tourists.
Just ahead of this launch, a successful trial run for the special Vande Bharat train was conducted between Katra and Sangaldan on the new Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL). Currently, the train only runs between Sangaldan and Srinagar, but this new stretch will officially start service on April 19.
Katra serves as the gateway for visitors heading to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, a major pilgrimage site.
Connecting Kashmir via rail wasn’t a new idea. It dates back to 1898 when Maharaja Pratap Singh first suggested it. Although a rail line linked Jammu with Sialkot, this connection vanished after 1947 when the border shifted due to partition.
The USBRL took 42 years to complete and cost around ₹37,000 crore. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983, but the project gained real momentum when it was designated a national project by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. Over the years, various sections of the rail line have opened, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The rail line travels through the picturesque Himalayan foothills and includes 38 tunnels and 927 bridges. It’s a feat of engineering, showcasing India’s ability to tackle challenging terrains. The Katra-Sangaldan section features the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River, standing at 359 meters, which is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
In late January, the first trial run of the Vande Bharat train took place, featuring high-tech equipment like cameras installed in tunnels for safety. This new train is designed to handle Kashmir’s unique climate, featuring defrosting mechanisms on the driver’s windshield and an optimized braking system for cold temperatures.
This new rail connection isn’t just about reducing travel time, which will drop to about 2 hours and 10 minutes between Katra and Srinagar. It also promises to make travel safer and smoother, minimizing disruptions caused by rough weather. Importantly, it will facilitate easier transport of local products, like apples and handicrafts, to markets across India.
In a broader context, this railway project illustrates how infrastructure projects can reshape economies and improve livelihoods. Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the news, with many expressing excitement over the potential benefits for tourism and local industries.
As Kashmir embraces its new railway link, it stands on the brink of a transformation, bolstering both economic ties and the connection to the rest of India.
For more insights on infrastructure development in India, check out the Ministry of Railways report.
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