CORAS Commandos to guard Vande Bharat
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: People across Jammu and Kashmir have hailed the launch of the direct Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar, calling it a major step towards improved connectivity, tourism and economic growth.
Passengers and stakeholders termed the development a “game changer,” highlighting that the service would significantly reduce travel time, cut costs, and provide all-weather connectivity to the Valley.
Click here to watch video
“It is a game-changer for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Not only will it save time and energy, but it will ensure all-weather connectivity. It will give a big boost to trade and tourism,” said Arvind Singh, a travel agent who was among those onboard the inaugural journey.
He added that tourists and pilgrims, especially those visiting the Amarnath Yatra, were previously dependent on road transport, which was often disrupted by traffic congestion, landslides, and adverse weather conditions.
“Now, pilgrims can conveniently use the train service,” he said. Echoing similar sentiments, a trader, Bushan Chand, said transporting goods to the Kashmir Valley by trucks was both time-consuming and expensive.
“This train service will be a game-changer for our businesses. It will ease travel and logistics. We thank the Government of India for extending the train to Jammu,” he said.
A Government employee, Mustaq Ahmed, who was travelling back to Srinagar, said the train would particularly benefit employees commuting between the twin capitals.
“This is the best mode of transport. One can travel to Kashmir and return the same day. The travel time has reduced to less than four hours,” he said.
Students and other passengers also expressed happiness over the new service. “We are very happy. Earlier, we had to travel to Katra to board a train to Kashmir. Now, the train is available directly from Jammu. We thank Narendra Modi for this,” said Veenta, a Class 12 student.
Mukhatar Ahmed said that earlier travel, especially for pilgrimages, was fraught with difficulties. “Now, we can directly reach Srinagar. It will save both time and money. Road travel often involved landslides and weather disruptions, which caused major hardships. These issues will now be minimised,” he said.
Sardar Parminder, a university student, termed the initiative a commendable step by the Government. “Direct connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar is highly beneficial, especially for pilgrims and tourists,” he added.
The direct train service is expected to boost tourism, trade, and overall socio-economic development in the region while ensuring reliable, all-weather surface connectivity.
The train, which previously operated from Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run all the way to Jammu Tawi, bringing the country’s most modern train directly to J&K’s largest city and railway hub.
The extended Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will enter regular service from May 2.
Apart from the multi-layered security setup along the 327-kilometre Jammu-Katra-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line, 21 security personnel, including RPF commandos, will guard the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service.
Talking to reporters, Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Indian Railway Protection Force Service, said, a comprehensive security grid has been put in place to protect the railway line as well as the Vande Bharat train.
“For initial security, we have deployed a ‘one plus twenty’ guard system. An inspector will lead the team, which also includes eight Railway Protection Force (RPF) commandos who will ensure security along the route,” Gangwar said, adding that they are fully equipped with advanced weapons.
The official said the railways will also operate a pilot vehicle ahead of the train for security purposes. “It will move in advance in the morning and address any shortcomings along the route,” he said.
Furthermore, guard posts have been established at every 2 kilometres, manned by quick reaction teams consisting of Government Railway Police and civil police personnel.
On tunnel security, he explained that a tunnel control system is put in place, which is jointly managed by the engineering teams and the Government Railway Police.
“Sensors have been installed to detect any unusual activity — whether fire or intrusion — and they immediately trigger alarms. Both ends of the tunnels are guarded,” he added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
