Katra-Kashmir Vande Bharat to Launch New Train Service on February 17
Katra-Kashmir Vande Bharat to Launch New Train Service on February 17
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KASHMIR: The long-awaited Vande Bharat train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar (Kashmir) will start running on February 17, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially launch the Sangaldan-Riyasi rail track from Katra. After this, the train will run directly from Katra to Srinagar.

This train will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which features some of India’s greatest engineering achievements. It includes the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge. The Chenab Bridge stands 359 meters high, making it the highest arch bridge in the world.

The USBRL route has more than 24 tunnels, helping the Vande Bharat train cut travel time. The train is designed with climate-friendly technology, including an air-brake system that works efficiently in freezing temperatures.

Passengers will enjoy fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, mobile charging points, and an option to order food. The train also has a special defrosting system to keep the driver's view clear in cold weather.

Earlier, during the Sonamarg tunnel inauguration, PM Modi promised that Jammu and Kashmir would soon have a direct rail link with the rest of India. This new all-weather railway will solve problems caused by frequent disruptions on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to bad weather.

The train is expected to boost tourism, farming, industries, and education in the region. The journey from Delhi to Srinagar will take around 13 hours.

Ticket Prices for the Journey

The exact ticket prices have not been announced yet. However, the fare is expected to be around Rs.1,500 to Rs.1,600 for an AC chair car and between Rs.2,200 and Rs.2,500 for an executive chair car.

Special Features for Cold Weather

This Vande Bharat train is specially designed to handle extremely cold conditions. It has anti-freezing technology, making it different from other Vande Bharat trains in the country. It can run smoothly even when temperatures drop as low as -20 degree Centigrade. The train also has advanced heating systems to keep passengers warm and comfortable throughout the journey.

From August 2025, passengers will no longer need to get off at Katra railway station since Jammu railway station is being upgraded to accommodate the Vande Bharat service.
 

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