Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate train service to Kashmir on February 17, marking a major milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. He will flag off a specially designed Vande Bharat Express from the Jammu division. This fulfills a long-held aspiration for improved connectivity in the region.
The USBRL project has involved extensive trial runs, showcasing impressive engineering achievements like the Anji Khad Bridge (331-meter pylon) and the Chenab Bridge (359 meters, the world’s highest railway bridge). These structures highlight India’s engineering capabilities.
The Vande Bharat Express has been adapted for Kashmir’s harsh winters. Features include heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, an air-brake system optimized for sub-zero temperatures, and heating elements in the windshield for defrosting in extreme conditions. Beyond these winter-specific adaptations, the train offers standard Vande Bharat amenities like air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, and mobile charging sockets.
