January 9, 2025 7:10 AM.
The Ministry of Railway said that the Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat Express between Katra to Srinagar will start running soon. The train will have eight coaches and cover the journey for merely three hours and ten minutes.
The Ministry said that the final safety inspection of 111 Kilometer Banihal-Katra Section in the newly constructed Jammu division, has also commenced and expects to operate trains later this year. The Ministry informed that Jammu station is also being redeveloped to equip it with 8 platforms and modern amenities.
The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train is specially designed with anti-freezing features. The Snow removal train, moving ahead of passenger and freight trains, will make sure that trains on this strategic route run all through the year, day and night. This will ensure all-weather connectivity between both regions.
The Jammu station is also undergoing redevelopment, with plans to add eight platforms and modern amenities, enhancing the overall travel experience. The eight-coach Vande Bharat Express will initially run between Katra and Srinagar, offering world-class services to passengers.
The Banihal-Katra section is regarded as an engineering marvel, with 97 km of the route running through tunnels and 7 km traversing four main bridges.
Among the engineering highlights is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 meters tall over the Chenab River. Built using 30,000 tonnes of steel and advanced rock-bolting techniques, it stands as a symbol of engineering excellence.
Another notable achievement is India’s first cable-stayed bridge over the Anji River. The Reasi and Bakkal Bridges are also key structures on this route.
To address safety concerns, Indian Railways engineers developed innovative tunneling techniques, known as Himalayan tunneling, to ensure the stability of the main and escape tunnels, spanning 67 km.
These tunnels feature a completely ballast-less track, similar to those used in metro systems, and are equipped with cameras placed every 50 meters. The footage is monitored in real-time at a state-of-the-art central control room, ensuring operational safety.
In addition to the rail link, 215 km of access roads have been constructed, benefiting the local population by improving connectivity to remote areas.
The Vande Bharat train is specially designed for extreme weather conditions, equipped with anti-freezing features to ensure smooth operations even in temperatures as low as -20°C. A snow removal train will precede both passenger and freight trains, guaranteeing all-weather connectivity year-round.