The stage is ready for the first train to Kashmir. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally start the first Vande Bharat Express train to Kashmir 6.
This will be the first visit to Prime Minister Modi in Jammu and Kashmir after the “Sindoor Operation” – Indian accurate strikes in terrorist camps in Pakistan launched on May 7 in response to the terrorist attack of Pahalgam, killed by 26 people, mostly tourists.
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Modi will mark train services from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) railway station in Katra Jammu to Baramully in North Kashmir. On this occasion, Modi will also mark another train from Baramully to Katra.
In the valley of Kashmir and between Jammu, Udhampur and Catra, trains between Banihal and Baramulla ran in the Jammu area. However, the Katra-Banihal section of 111 km was the most difficult created due to difficult terrain.
Modi also launches the highest railway bridge above the Chenab River and the Indian first cable bridge Anji Khad on this occasion. It is also expected to deal with rally.
Previously, the inauguration of the highly anticipated train was scheduled for April 19, but was postponed due to bad weather. Three days later there was a terrorist attack of Pahalgam in Kashmir.
‘Historical milestone’
The development will end more than 70 years of waiting for direct train services to Kashmir and for the first time connect the valley with the rest of India through a railway connection. Currently, trains are only operating between Sangaldan and Baramulla in the valley and from Catra throughout the country.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBL) project was originally sanctioned in 1995 by PV Zarasimha Rao premiere for estimated expense costs £2,500 crore.
While the ambitious project for connecting Kashmir began in 1997, he was entrusted with bits and pieces and faced more delay because of the geographical challenges representing the terrain. However, after the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee won as a national initiative in 2002, he gained momentum.
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In 2009, the Qazigund-Baramulla section in Kashmir was depicted in operation, after which the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section began in 2013 and in 2014 the Udhampur-Katra section began.
The part between Banihal and Sangaldan started in 2023 and now the connectivity between Sangaldan and Katra, which is considered the most difficult section, has been completed.
The Banihal-Katra section contains 97 km of tunnels and 7 km of bridges.
In December 2024, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of the Union railway, said the final construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway connection was completed.
“Historical Milestone; Final Work on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla’s railway connection is complete.
The tallest railway bridge in the world
The track also includes the famous Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world standing 359 meters above the mean sea level and will improve the picturesque path connecting Jammu and Srinagar.
For estimated cost of more £43 000 crore, the USBR L project included the distribution of bleak compositions across bridges and tunnels, bridging deep corners. Ninety percent of the route were brought through over 943 bridges and 36 main tunnels, including the longest Indian T-50 railway tunnel, which stretched more than 12.7 km.
In the Katra-Banihal section, the train will also pass another engineering miracle: Anji Khad Bridge, the first Indian cable bridge. Supported 96 cables, 725 meters long bridge is 331 meters above sea level.
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For the time being, only one Vande Bharat train specific to Kashmir will switch Katra and Srinagar to Baramully. Based on the response to the public, officials stated that more trains would start the route.
Delhi to Srinagar through Jammu
Previously, a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar was expected. But for safety and weather, passengers would have to descend at Katra Station and take the next train to continue on their way to Kashmir.
In February Vaishnaw said that passengers who want to travel from Delhi to Srinagar can book one ticket and change the train to the Katra railway station. All passengers enter the train to Srinagar from Delhi or vice versa, or from any other part of the country, would have to undergo a thorough dimension.
In addition, their luggage would be screened at the time of the board. As soon as the passengers got to Katra, the luggage would undergo fresh scanning on the departure lounges. Before taking on the next train, the security staff would again submit them to Frisk.
Trains will only operate on the Kashmir route during the day. There will be no trains in the valley in the evening.
Vande bharat specific to climate
The vande bharat kashmir version is equipped with climate -specific adaptations to provide advanced heating systems at temperatures below zero, the driver’s windshield built -in heating elements for defrosting and ensuring clear visibility during hard winters.
Completion of the USBLL project and starting direct trains Vande Bharat between Kashmir and Delhi via Jammu would improve the connectivity of the region with the rest of the country. In addition to addressing logistics questions, this would strengthen economic expansion and encourage travel.
The key features of the project
-The cost of the Udhampur-SrinaAgar-Baramulla Railway Connection Project £43,000 crore.
-The first -weather connection connects the Kashmir valley with the rest of India for the first time through the railway connection.
-Contactivity will strengthen the local economy and business by offering easier transport of local goods such as apples, saffron and crafts in the main Indian markets. Until now, these products had to be transported on the Jammu and Kashmir motorway, which is hit by rough weather during the winters.
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-The clarification connection will also improve access to popular destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Tourism in the Kashmir Valley was seriously affected after the terrorist attack.
Historical milestone; The final thesis on the track on the railway connection Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla is completed.
-Poficials said that the project will also create job opportunities in the railway industry, tourism and logistics.
-It is that it travels to capital cities for medical care and universities.
(Tagstotranslate) Kashmir train
