Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to commence operations soon; final safety inspection begins on 111 km Katra-Banihal rail section
In a major boost to connectivity, the much-awaited Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to begin operations soon, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities to just three hours and ten minutes.
The final safety inspection of the 111 km long Katra-Banihal section, part of the newly constructed Jammu division, has commenced. This section is crucial as it links Jammu with the Kashmir Valley, bringing the long-pending dream of seamless rail connectivity to reality.
The Jammu station is also undergoing redevelopment, with plans to add eight platforms and modern amenities, enhancing the overall travel experience. The eight-coach Vande Bharat Express will initially run between Katra and Srinagar, offering world-class services to passengers.
The Banihal-Katra section is regarded as an engineering marvel, with 97 km of the route running through tunnels and 7 km traversing four main bridges.
Among the engineering highlights is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 meters tall over the Chenab River. Built using 30,000 tonnes of steel and advanced rock-bolting techniques, it stands as a symbol of engineering excellence.
Another notable achievement is India’s first cable-stayed bridge over the Anji River. The Reasi and Bakkal Bridges are also key structures on this route.
To address safety concerns, Indian Railways engineers developed innovative tunneling techniques, known as Himalayan tunneling, to ensure the stability of the main and escape tunnels, spanning 67 km.
These tunnels feature a completely ballast-less track, similar to those used in metro systems, and are equipped with cameras placed every 50 meters. The footage is monitored in real-time at a state-of-the-art central control room, ensuring operational safety.
In addition to the rail link, 215 km of access roads have been constructed, benefiting the local population by improving connectivity to remote areas.
The Vande Bharat train is specially designed for extreme weather conditions, equipped with anti-freezing features to ensure smooth operations even in temperatures as low as -20°C. A snow removal train will precede both passenger and freight trains, guaranteeing all-weather connectivity year-round.
Given the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, advanced anti-vibration seismic devices have been installed to absorb tremors, ensuring safe and fast travel in the Himalayan terrain.
The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express stands out from its counterparts across the country, with heated windshields, advanced heating systems, and specially designed bio-toilets to prevent freezing in extreme cold.
With these advancements, the completion of the Katra-Banihal section promises a new era of travel, bringing Jammu and Srinagar closer than ever before.
