Jammu: In a major boost to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, a specially designed Vande Bharat Express will operate between the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar from April 30, officials said on Friday.
The premium train service, which has been running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar for over nine months, will now be extended up to Jammu Tawi, they said.
The service was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 last year following the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which provided the Valley all-weather rail connectivity.
According to a notification issued by Northern Railway, the extension of the Vande Bharat train up to Jammu Tawi will be inaugurated as a special service on April 30, with the flagging off of the train from Jammu at 10.30 am.
Officials said the design of the train caters to the challenging terrain and extreme cold conditions of the region.
“This train retains its semi-high-speed capability and, for the first time, incorporates ‘winterisation’ technology to ensure smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures,” they said.
The train is integrated with several advanced heating systems. Self-regulating heating cables have been installed to prevent water pipelines from freezing, while 1800W silicon heating pads have been fitted in water tanks.
Heating arrangements have also been made in bio-toilets and auxiliary tanks to ensure uninterrupted sanitation, they said.
To enhance passenger comfort, warm air ducts have been extended to restrooms, and heaters, along with thermal insulation, have been installed in Indian-style toilets. A water-draining facility has also been incorporated to prevent freezing during stabling.
In a first for Indian Railways, an embedded heating element has been installed in the driver’s windshield to prevent fogging during snowfall and ensure clear visibility. Heaters have also been fitted in the air dryer system to maintain efficient braking performance, they said.
Equipped with modern features, including full air-conditioning, automatic plug doors, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance and regenerative braking, the train is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 km per hour, they said.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the service fulfils a long-pending demand of passengers and residents.
“Our objective is not only to provide faster travel but also to ensure reliable all-weather connectivity. This train will strengthen the link between pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley, while also giving a boost to tourism in the region,” he said.
