Kashmir’s long-cherished dream of being connected to the country’s rail network finally became a reality on Saturday as a specially designed Vande Bharat Express arrived in Srinagar for its official launch, following a successful trial run.
This historic moment marks the end of a 126-year wait for Kashmir to join India’s railway grid. Designed to withstand the challenging winter conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, the train reached Srinagar station in Nowgam, on the outskirts of the city, after traveling from Katra in Jammu. The train had first arrived in Jammu from Delhi on Friday.
The arrival of the orange-and-grey Vande Bharat Express at 11:30 a.m. was met with enthusiasm as dozens of excited locals gathered at Srinagar station to witness the landmark event. After its stop at Srinagar, the train continued its journey to Budgam. Officials confirmed that the trial run was a success.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the train from Katra, though the date for the ceremony has not yet been announced.
The 272-kilometer Udhampur-Baramulla rail project, connecting Jammu to Kashmir, was first proposed in 1898 by Dogra ruler Maharaja Pratap Singh. Although a preliminary survey was conducted, the project was abandoned due to its high costs.
Progress was slow over the years, with tracks laid only up to Udhampur, 65 kilometers beyond Jammu, in 1983. It was not until 2001, when then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared it a national project, that significant momentum was achieved. The project was originally slated for completion by 2007 but faced numerous delays due to the engineering challenges posed by the mountainous terrain.
The project was completed in phases on both the Jammu and Kashmir sides, but the central section posed the greatest difficulty, involving steep mountains and deep streams. The final 17-kilometer stretch connecting Katra, Vaishno Devi base camp, and Reasi was recently approved, allowing a series of trial runs to begin.
On June 8 last year, the Railway Board unveiled a specially designed Vande Bharat Express, equipped with advanced features to tackle Jammu and Kashmir’s extreme weather. These enhancements include heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, a warm air vacuum system, and optimal air-brake functionality for operations in sub-zero temperatures. The train also features embedded heating elements in its windshield to defrost the glass, ensuring clear visibility for drivers during harsh winters.
Six successful trial runs have been conducted on various sections of the track, which includes engineering marvels such as the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab River at Kauri.
The 473-meter-long Anji Khad bridge is a feat of engineering, featuring a single pylon standing 331 meters above the riverbed. Meanwhile, the Chenab Bridge at Kauri, recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge, rises 359 meters above the Chenab River, further showcasing India’s infrastructural prowess.
This achievement is a milestone in connecting Kashmir with the rest of the nation, symbolizing progress and integration.
