Srinagar, Feb 11 (KNO): Marking a significant milestone in the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate a train to Kashmir on February 17.
Sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Prime Minister will flag off the specially designed Vande Bharat Express from the Jammu division while the arrangements are being made for the historic inauguration event.
“After years of hard work, dedication, and engineering marvels, the dream of Kashmir's rail connectivity has finally come true with the Vande Bharat Express set to run on this route,” they said.
Railway officials have been directed to make necessary preparations for the grand launch of the rail service on February 17. Authorities have decided that no leave will be sanctioned for the employees in the coming week to ensure the smooth execution of the event.
As part of the USBRL project, Indian Railways conducted multiple successful trial runs, traversing some of the nation’s most iconic bridges.
The Anji Khad Bridge, with its 331-meter-high pylon, stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, while the Chenab Bridge, at 359 meters, holds the distinction of being the world’s highest railway bridge—surpassing even the Eiffel Tower. These bridges not only enhance regional connectivity but also showcase India's technological and infrastructural prowess.
“The train has been specially designed to operate efficiently in Jammu and Kashmir’s harsh winter conditions on the Katra-Srinagar rail route,” an official said, adding, “It features advanced climate-resistant technologies, including heating systems that prevent water and bio-toilet tanks from freezing.”
He said that the air-brake system is optimized for smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures. “The Vande Bharat Express also includes embedded heating elements in the windshield to automatically defrost the driver's front lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility in extreme winter conditions,” the official said. “Apart from these specialized adaptations, the train offers all standard Vande Bharat amenities, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, mobile charging sockets, and more.”
The Railways has completed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, spanning 272 kilometers. The project, which began in 2005-06, was completed in phases. The 118-km Qazigund-Baramulla stretch in Kashmir was inaugurated in October 2009, followed by the 18-km Banihal-Qazigund and 25-km Udhampur-Katra sections, which were completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively—(KNO)