Historic Launch of First Vande Bharat to Kashmir from Katra Station
Katra/Srinagar, 4 June 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first ever Vande Bharat Express train service to the Kashmir Valley on June 6, railway officials confirmed on Tuesday. This marks a historic moment in Indian Railways as the high-speed semi-bullet train will finally connect the rest of India to Srinagar, the heart of Jammu & Kashmir.
Inauguration Delayed Due to Weather and Security Concerns
Originally scheduled for April 19, the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) had been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Later, the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 further delayed the plans.
While the initial plan included PM Modi’s visit to Srinagar, due to recent developments, he will now flag off the train remotely from Katra, on the Jammu side.
A New Milestone for Indian Railways
The USBRL project, spanning 272 km, is one of the most ambitious railway projects in India’s history. It connects Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar, and features engineering marvels like:
- Chenab Bridge – the world’s highest railway bridge
- Anji Khad Bridge – India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge
- Over 119 km of tunnels across challenging terrain
The completion of this line with a budget of ₹42,930 crore is seen as a strategic boost to national integration and a symbolic message of development and defiance in the wake of terror threats.
Katra Srinagar Vande Bharat Features
The Katra Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has been specially modified to suit the harsh climate and terrain of Jammu & Kashmir.
Key features Mentioned Below:
- Heating systems for passenger comfort in winters – The train can runs at -30 degree Celcius.
- Anti-spall layers for enhanced security
- Automatic doors and upgraded braking systems
- Designed for snow and steep gradients
This launch is expected to improve tourism, trade, and connectivity in the region, offering a modern, fast, and safe mode of transportation for locals and visitors alike.
