The launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Katra has brought immense joy and appreciation from both residents and tourists. Many travelers have called this new train service a game-changer, praising its comfort, convenience, and the way it has made travel to and from Kashmir much easier and more enjoyable. People are calling it a “historic step” that will help bring Kashmir closer to the rest of India.
A Long-Awaited Connection
Reaching Kashmir from other parts of India used to be very difficult for a long time. The journey often involved long car rides, expensive flights, or complicated travel plans with multiple stops. Today, the Vande Bharat Express connects Srinagar and Katra, making travel quicker, easier, and more comfortable for all passengers.
The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, which took nearly 28 years to finish, has made this possible. The new train service is not only a big achievement for Indian Railways but also a major milestone for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Passengers Share Their Stories
Many passengers have shared their excitement about the new train. Ashok Kumar Khajanchi, a visitor from Bikaner in Rajasthan, shared his story with ANI. He and his family traveled from Bikaner to Mumbai, and then continued their journey to Srinagar, stopping at places such as Belgaum, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg along the way. Despite warnings from others about traveling to Kashmir, they decided to go ahead with their trip.
“When we heard that the Vande Bharat Express was running, we canceled our taxi to Jammu Tawi, even though we lost Rs 6,000,” Khajanchi said, “When we learned the Vande Bharat Express was running, we canceled our taxi to Jammu Tawi, even though we lost Rs 6,000. We booked train tickets at 7 PM and reached Srinagar by 8 PM.” Because of my health issues, the train made my journey much easier.”
Khajanchi, who is healing from a foot injury, said, “Because I had two fractures, we had to cancel our previous car and train reservations.” But this train made it possible for me to travel comfortably. The convenience is unmatched.”
His wife, Manju Khajanchi, was equally pleased with their visit. “We’ve spent five days in Srinagar. The weather is beautiful, and the people are very friendly. What you see in the news doesn’t match what we experienced. She said while waiting at Srinagar railway station to board the train to Katra, “The place is calm and feels like a paradise.”
Time-Saving and Comfortable
Other travelers have also highlighted how the Vande Bharat Express saves time and makes travel far more convenient. One passenger pointed out, “Earlier, going to Jammu meant either taking a flight or a long, tiring taxi ride. Now, the Vande Bharat train covers the distance in almost the same time as a flight. It’s a fantastic decision by the government to connect Kashmir with the rest of India.”
He also mentioned that the benefits of this train will extend beyond tourists. “This will help not just visitors but also government officials and local people who travel between these regions. When the train route is extended to Jammu in the next few months, traveling will become even easier. People from the South, who earlier avoided long flights or complicated travel plans, can now easily reach Kashmir by train.”
A Boost for Tourism
Many people believe that tourism in Kashmir will increase rapidly now that the Vande Bharat Express has started operating. The train offers a fast, reliable, and scenic journey through the beautiful valley, making it much more attractive for travelers from all over India. The improved connectivity is expected to bring more visitors, which will help local businesses and create new opportunities for the people of Kashmir.
A Major Milestone for Indian Railways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station on Friday. This event marked the first time that the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley have been connected by a direct train service. The launch is seen as a major step forward in improving railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, which is now the highest railway arch bridge in the world. Speaking at the event, he said that these new development projects will further boost the progress and growth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Engineering Marvels Along the Route
The route of the Vande Bharat Express is not just about convenience—it also showcases some of India’s greatest engineering achievements. The train travels over two remarkable bridges:
Anji Khad Bridge: This is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Its unique design and construction make it a significant landmark in Indian railway history.
Chenab Rail Bridge: Standing as the highest railway bridge in the world, this structure is an incredible feat of engineering, rising high above the Chenab River.
These bridges, along with the tunnels and other infrastructure on the route, demonstrate the skill and determination of the engineers and workers who made the project possible.
The Journey to Completion
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project has been under construction for nearly three decades. The work was challenging due to the difficult terrain, harsh weather, and other obstacles. The project was completed in several phases:
Qazigund to Baramulla (118 km): This section was opened in 2009, bringing train service to the northern part of the Kashmir Valley.
Qazigund to Banihal (18 km): Completed in 2013, this stretch included the Pir Panjal tunnel, one of the longest railway tunnels in India.
Udhampur to Katra (25 km): Opened in 2014, this section made it easier for pilgrims to reach the Vaishno Devi shrine.
Banihal to Sangaldan (48.1 km): Finished in 2024, this was the final stretch needed to complete the link.
Now, with the entire 272-kilometer line fully operational and electrified, the region is more connected than ever before.
Modern Trains for Harsh Winters
The new Vande Bharat trains are specially designed to handle the tough Himalayan winters. They can run smoothly even when temperatures drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Features like heated windshields, advanced heating systems, and insulated toilets ensure that passengers remain comfortable throughout the year, no matter how cold it gets outside.
A Brighter Future for Kashmir
With the launch of the Vande Bharat Express and the completion of the rail link, Jammu and Kashmir are set to enter a new era of growth and development. The improved connectivity will make it easier for people to travel, do business, and explore new opportunities. It will also help bring people from different parts of India closer together, fostering unity and understanding.
As more people discover the beauty and culture of Kashmir, the region is likely to see increased investment, more jobs, and a stronger economy. The Vande Bharat Express is not just a train—it’s a symbol of progress, hope, and the promise of a brighter future for everyone in Jammu and Kashmir.
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