Srinagar, Apr 10: Preparations are in full swing across Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express to the Kashmir Valley on April 19, officials said on Thursday.
The high-profile launch will mark the formal completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)—a landmark infrastructure project connecting the Kashmir region to the rest of the country through an all-weather railway network.
The high-profile launch will mark the formal completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a landmark infrastructure project connecting the region with the rest of the country.
According to railway officials, Katra Railway Station is the focal point of the preparations, with large-scale logistical and security arrangements underway ahead of the anticipated inaugural ceremony.
Teams of engineers, railway staff, and security personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth execution of the event and readiness of the route.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Northern Railways, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay told Rising Kashmir that stations along the route are being spruced up, with additional security measures and final safety checks being conducted on tracks and train systems.
“Special attention is being given to passenger amenities, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for travellers. The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is poised to be a historic moment for improving connectivity and accessibility to the region,” he said.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP), Railway Board said that as per the planning of the railways so far, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate this project to the nation on April 19.
“On the date of commencement of the project, we have planned to run two Vande Bharat Express trains. One Vande Bharat Express train will run from Srinagar and the other will run from Katra to Srinagar,” he said.
Kumar said it has been the dream of every Indian to have a train running to Kashmir. “For this, we have made long preparations and now this USBRL section is ready”.
“There is a 119-kilometre tunnel in this 272-kilometre section… This entire area is very important from the religious, tourism and connectivity point of view of Kashmir. PM is going to dedicate this entire project to the country, this will benefit the people of the country a lot,” he added.
CPRO said that trial runs for the train have already been successfully conducted, and technical inspections are underway to ensure readiness for seamless operations. However, Upadhyay noted that the final schedule and timings of the inauguration is still awaited.
Meanwhile, another official said that the Vande Bharat train is designed to operate efficiently in extreme weather conditions.
“The train is built to handle severe winters. It will ensure safer and more comfortable journeys for passengers,” he said.
The Vande Bharat Express manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is equipped with cutting-edge features for sub-zero performance.
These include silicone heating pads, heated pipelines, and an auto-draining mechanism to prevent freezing, ensuring uninterrupted services in harsh winter conditions.
Safety features include embedded heating elements in the front windshield for defrosting, anti-spall layers to protect during snow or storm conditions, and an insulated cabin design tailored for the Valley’s climate.
Passengers can expect enhanced comfort with fully air-conditioned coaches, air dryer systems for brake efficiency, and features like wide gangways, automatic plug doors, CCTV surveillance, infotainment screens, and mobile charging ports.
The Vande Bharat Express will operate on the 326-km Katra-Baramulla rail line, which passes through rugged mountainous terrain and includes the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, alongside numerous long and short tunnels that make the route one of the most complex in Indian Railways history.
The ₹41,000 crore USBRL project, completed in December 2023, represents a major engineering and logistical achievement.
It not only integrates the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India but also ensures year-round rail accessibility regardless of snowfall or other climate challenges.
