Srinagar, Feb 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir on February 17, marking the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The train will be flagged off from Katra railway station in Jammu, officials confirmed.
A senior Northern Railway officer told Rising Kashmir that the inauguration would fulfill the long-awaited dream of rail connectivity in the region. “The Vande Bharat Express is designed to handle extreme weather conditions, ensuring smooth travel even in the harsh winter months. This will significantly enhance safety and comfort for passengers,” the official said.
Preparations for the grand inauguration are in full swing, with railway officials, engineers, and workers working tirelessly to ensure all arrangements are in place for the historic event. “Stations along the route are being upgraded, security measures are being intensified, and final safety checks are being conducted on the tracks and train systems. Special attention is being paid to passenger amenities, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience,” the official added. However, Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay clarified that the final schedule for the event is still awaited.
“There has been no official confirmation regarding the exact timing and details of the inauguration. However, preparations are progressing at full speed to ensure everything is ready once the schedule is finalised,” he said.
Upadhyay also stated that trial runs of the train have been successfully conducted, with all safety and technical checks completed. “We are awaiting final approval, after which all arrangements will proceed as per the approved plan,” he said.
Upadhyay also provided an update on the ongoing yard remodelling work at Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is nearing completion. “The non-interlocking work is also expected to finish soon. Although it’s a challenging task, once completed, station redevelopment will gain significant momentum,” he said.
The ₹450 crore project aims to expand the station’s platforms from three to seven and incorporate state-of-the-art ballastless track technology for smoother train operations. The commissioning of the remodelled Jammu Tawi yard is scheduled for March 6, 2025.
The modernisation of Jammu Tawi station will also improve operational efficiency and hygiene across the platforms. Each platform will feature washable aprons, promoting a cleaner environment. “The project also includes the construction of two 12-meter wide foot-over bridges for better accessibility and a 72-meter wide air concourse connecting all seven platforms. A new 4,500 sqm second-entry station building on the Narwal side and an upgraded 15,600 sqm main station building with modern amenities are among the key milestones of the redevelopment,” Upadhyay added.
