Jammu To Srinagar Vande Bharat From April 30

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- In a major boost to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, a specially designed Vande Bharat Express will begin operations between Jammu and Srinagar from April 30, with the existing service extended up to Jammu Tawi, officials said on Friday.

The semi-high-speed train, which has been operating between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar for over nine months, will now run from Jammu Tawi, providing a direct rail link between the twin capitals of the Union Territory.

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The inaugural run of the extended service will be flagged off as a special train from Jammu at 10:30 am on April 30, according to a notification issued by Northern Railway.

The Vande Bharat service on this route is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a key infrastructure project aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The rail link was inaugurated last year, marking a significant milestone in integrating the region with the national railway network.

Officials said the train has been specially designed to operate in the region's challenging terrain and extreme winter conditions, making it the first Vande Bharat variant equipped with advanced“winterisation” technology.

They said the train will run with a 20-coach Vande Bharat rake and cover a distance of around 266.66 kilometres during the inaugural run. The train will also halt at Bijbehara, which will remain operational for the cross-run of the service.

To ensure smooth functioning in sub-zero temperatures, the train is fitted with self-regulating heating cables to prevent freezing of water pipelines, along with 1800W silicon heating pads installed in water tanks. Heating arrangements have also been made in bio-toilets and auxiliary tanks to maintain uninterrupted sanitation during harsh weather.

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Passenger comfort has been enhanced with extended warm air ducts to restrooms, heaters in toilets and improved thermal insulation across coaches. A water-draining mechanism has also been incorporated to prevent freezing when the train is stationed.

In a first for Indian Railways, the train is equipped with an embedded heating element in the driver's windshield to prevent fogging during snowfall, ensuring clear visibility. Additionally, heaters have been installed in the air dryer system to maintain braking efficiency in low temperatures.

The train will retain its semi-high-speed capability, with an operational design speed of up to 160 km per hour, while offering modern onboard amenities such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance and regenerative braking systems.

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The service is expected to operate with limited halts at key stations including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal and Qazigund before terminating at Srinagar, although the final timetable is yet to be formally notified.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the extension fulfils a long-pending demand of passengers and residents of the region.

“Our objective is not only to provide faster travel but also to ensure reliable all-weather connectivity. This train will strengthen the link between pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley, while also giving a boost to tourism,” he said.

Officials said the extended Vande Bharat service is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience and enhance economic and tourism prospects across Jammu and Kashmir.

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