NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the picturesque landscape of Kashmir will soon be graced by the Vande Bharat Express, as it makes its way along the Jammu-Srinagar route. The eagerly anticipated railway line linking Jammu to Srinagar is nearing completion, and the Vande Bharat Express is all set to traverse its tracks.
Minister Vaishnaw, as quoted by news agency PTI, expressed his enthusiasm for this project, stating, "Once the Jammu to Srinagar railway line is completed very soon, Vande Bharat will also be run on that." He further highlighted the innovative design of the train, meticulously engineered to ensure smooth operations in the challenging terrains, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes that characterize the region.
Although a specific launch date was not disclosed, the Railway Minister indicated that the Jammu-Srinagar railway line is expected to become operational within the current financial year. This development is expected to bring immense connectivity benefits to the region, enhancing transportation options for residents and tourists alike.
Beyond Kashmir, Minister Vaishnaw also shared that the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express will extend its reach to serve the people of Tripura upon the electrification of the railway line to the northeastern state. This expansion of rail services aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal commitment to fostering development in the northeastern region and Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, Minister Vaishnaw revealed the government's ambitious plans to introduce 75 Vande Bharat trains by March of the next year. These efforts aim to enhance rail travel across the country, offering an attractive alternative to the renowned Rajdhani Express trains, especially on long-distance routes.
In a recent development on Thursday, the Railway Minister inaugurated two new trains in the Northeast region and extended the services of two existing ones. Additionally, a Vistadome coach was introduced on the Budgam-Banihal train route in Jammu and Kashmir, offering passengers a breathtaking view of the region's scenic beauty.
One of the newly launched trains connects Guwahati and Dullabcherra in Assam, and this momentous occasion was marked with a video-conferencing flag-off ceremony by Minister Vaishnaw himself. According to the Ministry of Railways, the other new train introduced is a diesel multiple unit (DEMU) that will link Agartala and Sabroom in Tripura, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The Guwahati-Secunderabad Express also received a service extension, now connecting Silchar in Assam to Secunderabad in Telangana, fostering greater accessibility across the country. Similarly, the Kamakhya-Lokmanya Tilak Express originating from Mumbai now extends its services to Agartala, the capital of Tripura, bringing convenience and improved transportation to this northeastern state.
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