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Vande Bharat Express successfully completed its inaugural trial run across the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a landmark achievement for India’s railway network, the Vande Bharat Express successfully completed its inaugural trial run across the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. This bridge holds the distinction of being the world’s highest railway bridge, standing at 359 meters above the riverbed – surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height.
A HISTORIC MOMENT
The trial run commenced from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station in Katra and concluded at Srinagar Railway Station, traversing both the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. This route is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to enhance connectivity in the region.
The Vande Bharat train deployed for this route has been specially designed to withstand the extreme winter conditions of the Kashmir Valley. It features advanced heating systems to prevent freezing of water in pipes and bio-toilet tanks, warm air provision for the vacuum system, and embedded heating elements in the windshield to ensure clear visibility during harsh winters.
THE VALLEY VICTORY
The successful trial run marks a significant milestone in realizing the long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir Valley to India’s railway grid. Regular passenger services are expected to commence soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated to inaugurate the inaugural Vande Bharat train to the Valley from Katra railway station.
This development is poised to transform the region by boosting tourism, trade, and overall connectivity, bringing Kashmir closer to the rest of the country.
