Special windshield to prevent snow accumulation in J&K’s Vande Bharat train

Srinagar, Feb 10: Jammu and Kashmir Vande Bharat set to operate on the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link will be having a special windshield with tungsten filaments between glass layers capable of heating up to 30 degrees Celsius to prevent snow accumulation, officials said.
A Central Spokesman Northern Railways told Rising Kashmir that Vande Bharat train designated for Jammu and Srinagar has special facilities designed to incorporate heating provisions within the compartments.
“These innovations include specialized pipes to prevent freezing and potential breakage of water lines. This initiative aligns with ICF’s strategy to design and manufacture various versions of the Vande Bharat trains,” he said, adding that trials are underway on this innovation.
The spokesman said soon it will chug on the Baramulla-Udhampur railway line, hopefully all remaining on Katri-Banihal section will be completed till April 2024 ending,” he added.
Earlier in January 2024, Railway Board allotted eight coaches for a Vande Bharat Express along the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
Regarding its present status, the spokesman said that one Vande Bharat rake destined for the Kashmir Valley USBRL is expected to be received at the PWL point on February 10, 2024.
“The Delhi division has been advised to send this rake to the shed for examination. Following the examination, the rake is scheduled to be dispatched to UHP on the night of February 8, 2024. The aim is to ensure that the rake reaches UHP by the morning of Feb 13, he said.
The spokesman said that Vandhe Bharat train for Jammu and Kashmir is being designed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai which is globally recognized as the largest producer of railway passenger coaches.
“ICF is involved in two major projects, including Vande Metro project that aims to construct fully air-conditioned inter-city train service, with the prototype expected to be unveiled by March this year,” he said adding that another project is Vande Bharat Express rake customized for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
This design incorporates essential modifications to withstand the challenging climatic conditions of the region, and we anticipate the completion of this specialized rake in the near future.