Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to Run Soon between Katra & Srinagar
Jammu and Srinagar are set to be just three hours and ten minutes apart with the near completion of the Banihal-Katra section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This 111 km stretch, expected to become operational later this year, includes world-class features and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The redeveloped Jammu station will soon boast eight platforms and modern amenities, enhancing travel convenience.
An eight-coach Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, connecting Katra to Srinagar, will commence soon, marking the end of the long wait for rail connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. This engineering marvel includes 97 km of tunnels and 7 km of bridges, including the world’s highest arch bridge over the Chenab River, standing 359 meters tall. Built using 30,000 tonnes of steel and the innovative rock bolting method, it showcases engineering excellence. The section also features India’s first cable-stayed bridge over the Anji River, alongside the Reasi and Bakkal bridges.
The Railways adopted Himalayan tunneling techniques for enhanced safety, constructing 67 km of escape tunnels and ballastless tracks similar to metro systems. The longest tunnel in this section, T50, spans 12.77 km and features cameras placed every 50 meters, monitored by a central control room. Additionally, 215 km of access roads built during the project are benefiting local communities.
The Vande Bharat Express for Jammu-Srinagar is uniquely designed for the region’s harsh winters, equipped with anti-freezing features and advanced heating systems. A snow removal train will ensure uninterrupted year-round connectivity. To withstand the seismic Zone-V region's challenges, anti-vibration seismic devices have been installed to absorb tremors, ensuring safe and fast travel.
Operating smoothly in temperatures as low as -20°C, the train features heated windshields for clear visibility, as well as heated plumbing and bio-toilets to prevent freezing. These innovations promise a reliable and comfortable travel experience, ensuring all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
