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Key Points

The Vande Bharat Express train has introduced a revolutionary transportation link between Srinagar and Katra, significantly reducing travel time and improving regional connectivity. Farooq Abdullah, a prominent political leader, personally experienced the train journey and praised its potential benefits for local residents and tourists. The train traverses remarkable engineering achievements like the Chenab Bridge, symbolizing technological progress in challenging terrain. This railway project represents a major milestone in integrating Kashmir with the rest of India, promising economic and social transformation.

Key Points: Farooq Abdullah Rides Vande Bharat Train Kashmir Milestone

  • First Vande Bharat Express connecting Srinagar and Katra launched successfully
  • Train reduces travel time by 2-3 hours
  • Passes through world's highest railway arch bridge
  • Part of ambitious USBRL project transforming regional connectivity
2 min read

Farooq Abdullah takes a ride in Vande Bharat from Srinagar to Katra, calls it a huge blessing

National Conference leader experiences landmark Vande Bharat Express journey, highlighting transformative rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

"This is a huge blessing for us and is going to benefit tourists a lot. - Farooq Abdullah"

Srinagar, June 10

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah took a ride on the Vande Bharat train from Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar to Katra.

Nowgam Railway Station is a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, connecting Kashmir to Jammu area and the rest of India.

Speaking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah expressed his happiness and termed this train as "a huge blessing" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the train will benefit the people of J-K and tourists a lot.

The National Conference chief said, "I am very happy that I am travelling on this train to Katra. This is a huge blessing for us and is going to benefit tourists a lot. It is difficult to travel by road, and prices for air travel are extremely high. This train is going to benefit us a lot."

The two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir, were flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6.

The new Vande Bharat Express train will take just about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by two to three hours.

These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley.

The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway arch bridge in the world.

Prime Minister also inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity.

The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated 359 metres above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

All these projects are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

The USBRL project is 272 kilometres long, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
This is truly a game-changer for J&K! The engineering marvels like Chenab Bridge show what India is capable of. Hope this improves tourism and local economy. More connectivity means more opportunities for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters 🙏
P
Priya M.
As someone who visited Vaishno Devi last year, I can say this train is badly needed! The road journey was exhausting. Now planning another trip with my parents - the elderly will especially benefit from this comfortable travel option. Kudos to the engineers!
A
Amit S.
While the project is impressive, I hope the ticket prices remain affordable for common people. Vande Bharat trains elsewhere are quite expensive compared to regular trains. J&K residents deserve accessible transport options.
S
Sunita R.
The bridges look absolutely breathtaking! Can't wait to take this train ride just to see these engineering wonders. India's infrastructure development is really shining bright ✨ Hope this brings more national integration too.
V
Vikram J.
Good to see Farooq Abdullah appreciating this development. Infrastructure projects like these transcend politics and benefit everyone. The USBRL project has been in works for decades - glad to see it finally coming to fruition.
N
Neha P.
As a frequent traveler to Kashmir, I'm thrilled! The winter connectivity was always a challenge. Hope they maintain the trains well in snowy conditions. This will be a boon for apple farmers and handicraft sellers to transport goods too 🚂

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