WATCH: Vande Bharat train crosses world’s highest railway bridge Chenab Rail Bridge in J&K

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the first trial run of the Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing the region’s rail connectivity. The train traveled from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station to Srinagar, passing over the Chenab bridge, the world’s tallest rail bridge, and the Anji Khad bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. The train stopped briefly at Jammu around 11:30 AM, where it was warmly welcomed with cheers and applause. It then proceeded to Budgam station to complete its trial journey.

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Visuals of Vande Bharat train crossing the world’s highest railway bridge Chenab Rail Bridge

Indian Railways today started the trial run of the first Vande Bharat train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station Katra to Srinagar. The train will also… pic.twitter.com/6IgVfxCgYk

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2025

Commercial services for the train are expected to start soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate the first official journey from Katra. However, the exact date for the ceremony is yet to be announced.

The Vande Bharat Express, India’s first locally made semi-high-speed train, has become a hallmark of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The first train was launched on February 15, 2019, connecting New Delhi, Kanpur, Allahabad, and Varanasi. During 2022-23, over 31.84 lakh passengers traveled on Vande Bharat trains, with an impressive occupancy rate of 96.62%.

Special features of the train

The Vande Bharat train has been specially designed to handle Jammu and Kashmir’s tough winter conditions, featuring climate-specific upgrades.

Unlike other Vande Bharat Express trains across India, this version includes advanced systems to tackle extreme weather. It is equipped with heating mechanisms to prevent freezing in water and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for the vacuum system, and maintain the air-brake system’s efficiency even in freezing temperatures. Additionally, the train’s windshield has embedded heating elements to automatically defrost and ensure clear visibility for the driver during harsh winters.

The train retains popular features of other Vande Bharat models, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, and charging points for mobile devices.

Officials describe the train as a symbol of India’s dedication to reducing geographical and economic barriers, according to PTI.

This initiative is a significant milestone in the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect Kashmir with the rest of India’s railway network.