Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): The Vande Bharat Express has successfully completed its trial run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, to Budgam, marking a key achievement in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The trial run, which took place today, saw the high-speed train pass through significant engineering landmarks, including the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
With the 272-kilometer USBRL project now fully operational, it provides enhanced rail connectivity between Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla, improving transportation across Jammu and Kashmir. This development is set to make travel faster, more efficient, and more comfortable for both residents and visitors.
The Vande Bharat Express, designed with advanced technology, is specifically tailored for the challenging weather conditions of the Kashmir Valley. Key features such as advanced heating systems, bio-toilets, and triple-layered heated windscreens make it ideal for sub-zero temperatures, ensuring smooth operations even at -30°C.
This is the third Vande Bharat train introduced to Jammu and Kashmir but the first to serve the Kashmir Valley, highlighting the region’s progress in modernizing its infrastructure. The successful completion of this trial run paves the way for its official launch and commercial operations, promising to revolutionize rail travel in the region.
The completion of the USBRL project and the inclusion of the Chenab Bridge is a monumental achievement, reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a hub for advanced rail transport in India. With improved connectivity and the introduction of high-speed services, the Vande Bharat Express is poised to boost tourism, local business, and overall regional development.(DD)