- विज्ञापन -
Jammu: The inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service to the Kashmir Valley has been postponed, according to officials. Earlier, unverified reports had indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the train service connecting Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla on February 17. However, no official new date for the inauguration has been announced following the postponement.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is regarded as one of the most challenging railway projects undertaken by Indian Railways, both in India and globally. Notable features of the project include the first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge with a 331-meter-high pylon and the Chenab Railway Bridge, which at 359 meters is the tallest railway bridge in the world, exceeding the height of the Eiffel Tower. The route also includes numerous tunnels.
Designed to withstand extreme weather, the Vande Bharat train can function in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. It boasts modern amenities such as fully air-conditioned coaches with electric outlets, reading lights, CCTV cameras, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, and a passenger information system. Additionally, the coaches feature larger windows with roller blinds and overhead luggage racks. The driver’s windshield has an advanced defrost system for visibility in humid conditions.
Travel between Udhampur and Baramulla, covering a distance of 150 kilometers, is expected to take just two and a half hours. Initially, passengers will have to switch trains at Katra, but by August 15, when Jammu station is upgraded, this requirement will be eliminated. The commercial trial for USBRL has been successfully completed, and this long-cherished dream for the people of Kashmir is awaiting its official launch by Prime Minister Modi.
