PM Narendra Modi to launch Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train on April 19 – see pics

Union minister Jitendra Singh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service on April 19 from Katra. This marks a major milestone in improving rail connectivity in the region.

Due to ongoing renovation work at Jammu railway station, the train will initially operate from Katra. Once the station's upgrade is completed around August, the train will commence its scheduled operations from Jammu.

On April 19, Modi will arrive in Udhampur before visiting the world’s highest rail bridge to inspect and inaugurate it. Later, he will reach Katra to flag off the Vande Bharat Express, marking a new era of railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train is specially designed to function efficiently in extreme cold conditions, even as low as -20°C. This ensures uninterrupted operations throughout the year, making train travel more reliable in the region.

A dedicated snow removal train will operate ahead of passenger and freight trains to clear tracks, ensuring smooth rail movement during heavy snowfall. This will significantly enhance all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.

Since this region falls in Zone-V, a high-risk earthquake area, Indian Railways has installed anti-vibration seismic dampers. These will absorb tremors in the mountainous terrain, making train journeys safer and more stable for passengers.

To ensure comfort in freezing temperatures, the train features a heated windshield that prevents fogging and freezing. Additionally, heating elements in plumbing and bio-toilets will prevent water from freezing, ensuring essential onboard systems function smoothly.

The Vande Bharat Express will drastically cut down travel time between Katra and Srinagar. While the road journey currently takes 6-7 hours, the new train service will reduce this duration to just 3 hours, offering a faster and more efficient travel option.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been completed in multiple phases, with key sections opening since 2009. The final stretch connecting Sangaldan to Katra will soon become operational, making train travel seamless across the region.

The route features two engineering marvels—Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world. These structures will enhance connectivity and offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan terrain.