NewKerala.com

Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a significant milestone by launching the Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra to Srinagar, overcoming complex geographical challenges. The new train service dramatically reduces travel time from 6-7 hours to just 3 hours, utilizing cutting-edge engineering and technology. The project includes world-record breaking infrastructure like the Chenab Railway Bridge, showcasing India's advanced engineering capabilities. This railway link represents more than transportation, symbolizing national integration and technological prowess in challenging Himalayan regions.

Key Points: Modi Launches Vande Bharat Express Connecting Kashmir Valley

  • Historic railway connectivity established through challenging Himalayan terrain
  • World's highest railway arch bridge unveiled
  • Vande Bharat Express reduces travel time dramatically
  • Ambitious USBRL project transforms regional mobility
3 min read

Wasn't an ordinary task, possible because of hard work, dedication of railway workers: Loco pilot of new Vande Bharat in J-K

PM Modi inaugurates groundbreaking Vande Bharat train service in J&K, reducing travel time and showcasing engineering marvel

"This is a proud moment for all of us Indians - Loco Pilot Sharma"

Reasi, June 6

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, the loco pilot of the newly launched Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express said the achievement was only possible due to the "hard work, dedication, devotion and determination" of railway workers.

Calling it a proud moment for the country, the loco pilot, Sharma, said that railway engineers overcame serious technical and geographical hurdles to make the project a reality.

"This is a proud moment for all of us Indians that PM Narendra Modi, Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and the Indian Railways workers have fulfilled an age-old dream. The hard work, dedication, devotion and determination of railway workers, particularly of Railway Engineers, has paid off. It was not an ordinary or easy task. There were lots of challenges in this project. The route is extremely challenging... This is a big achievement for India. It feels like India has entered in Viksit (developed) world. This Vande Bharat is lashed with modern technologies. There is ease, comfort and reliability in travel with these Vande Bharat trains," Sharma said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir.

This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity.

Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children onboard and also spoke with railway staff members present on the train.

The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.

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 bridge in the world.

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

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi 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.

In a remarkable gesture, Prime Minister Modi waved the Tiranga, the Indian national flag and carried it forward on the deck of the bridge on the Chenab River.

These bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a 272 km long USBRL project, 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

R
Rahul K.
This is truly remarkable engineering! Connecting J&K with modern rail infrastructure will boost tourism and local economy. The Chenab Bridge looks like something out of a sci-fi movie - kudos to our engineers! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
As someone who travels frequently to Vaishno Devi, this is a game-changer! No more exhausting bus journeys. But I hope they maintain the trains properly - our new infrastructure often deteriorates quickly due to poor maintenance.
A
Amit S.
While this is impressive, I wish similar focus was given to improving basic railway facilities in other parts of India. Many stations still lack clean toilets and proper seating. Development should be balanced across all regions.
S
Sunita R.
My father worked on railway projects in the 80s. He would've been so proud to see this! The terrain in J&K is so difficult - hats off to the workers who made this happen. Hope they get proper recognition beyond just political speeches.
V
Vikram J.
The strategic importance of this rail link cannot be overstated. Better connectivity to border areas is crucial for national security. Plus, it will help integrate Kashmir more with mainland India. Win-win! 👏
N
Neha P.
Excited to plan a Kashmir trip now! But I hope the ticket prices are reasonable. Vande Bharat fares are often too expensive for middle-class families. Public transport should remain accessible to all Indians.

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