First Vande Bharat train from Katra to Kashmir set to launch on April 19; PM to flag off

The rail link project was completed last month and successful trial runs have been conducted on the Katra-Baramulla route.

The first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19 from Katra, marking the completion of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project.

The Jammu-Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will begin operations from Katra, as the Jammu railway station is currently under renovation. Officials stated that the rail link project was completed last month, and successful trial runs have been conducted on the Katra-Baramulla route.

The train service between Katra and Kashmir received approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety in January. The Vande Bharat Express is expected to significantly cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a modern and efficient rail service to the region, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying.

The inauguration of the train will fulfil a long demand for direct rail connectivity to Kashmir. Currently, train services operate only between Sangaldan and Baramulla in the Valley and from Katra to destinations across the country.

Speaking to reporters in Jammu on Sunday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed, "PM Modi will arrive in Udhampur on April 19. He will visit the world's highest railway bridge and inaugurate it. After that, he will flag off the Vande Bharat train from Katra."

Officials noted that the ambitious project to connect Kashmir by train began in 1997 but encountered numerous delays due to geological, topographical, and meteorological challenges. The project features 38 tunnels covering a total distance of 119 km, with the longest being Tunnel T-49, stretching 12.75 km. This tunnel also holds the distinction of being the longest transportation tunnel in the country.

The project also involves 927 bridges, covering a combined length of 13 kilometres. Among them is the Chenab Bridge, which has an overall length of 1,315 meters, an arch span of 467 meters, and stands 359 meters above the riverbed. Being 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, it is set to be the world’s highest arch railway bridge.