Ahead of formal operations in Kashmir, the rake of the specially designed Vande Bharat Express train arrived at Jammu Tawi railway station, drawing a large crowd eager to witness the historic moment.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the train, arriving at platform number 1 of the stations, is set to commence operations between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station and Kashmir, offering seamless, all-weather travel options to passengers.
As the train arrived, the Jammu Tawi railway station echoed with a unique announcement: “Yatrigan kripya dhyan dein, Vande Bharat train sankhya 244027 Kashmir jane ke liye platform number ek par khadi hai.”
This train, compared to the other 136 Vande Bharat Express trains operating nationwide, features climate-specific enhancements to address operational challenges and passengers’ needs in Jammu and Kashmir’s extreme weather conditions.
Key features include advanced heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, warm air for vacuum systems, and optimized air-brake functionality for smooth operations in sub-zero temperatures. Embedded heating elements in the windshield ensure clear visibility by defrosting the driver’s front lookout glass during harsh winters.
Additionally, the train boasts all standard Vande Bharat amenities, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets.
By linking the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network, this train underscores India’s commitment to bridging geographical and economic gaps, while promising a world-class travel experience on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Operated by the Northern Railway zone, this is the third Vande Bharat train for the region, following two successful routes connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Delhi.(KNO)
