Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 25: The specially-designed Vande Bharat Express train this morning arrived in Srinagar, successfully completing its trial run.
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The train, on its maiden trial run, arrived at Nowgam Railway Station on the city’s outskirts from Katra at around 11:30 am.
Slogans and praises for the Railways employees greeted Vande Bharat train as it reached the station. A large number of people and rail officials waited since morning, many of them carrying garlands, to welcome those aboard the train distributed sweets.
After a brief half at the station, the train moved to Budgam station to complete its trial run. Later it left back to Katra.
Chief Area Manager of Srinagar Saqib Yousuf said the trial run’s completion marked a historic moment. “This is a historic step to connect Kashmir with the rest of the country,” he said.
Yousuf said the trial was also to ascertain the time the train would take on various sections. “The successful completion of the trial run is a result of the fast-paced hard work over the past 10 years that was put in to complete the line,” he added.
The specially designed Vande Bharat train has several additional features to meet operational challenges and passengers’ needs in extreme weather conditions of Kashmir.
It includes advanced heating systems that prevent the freezing of water in pipes and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for the vacuum system and ensure optimal functioning of the air-brake system for smooth operations, even in sub-zero temperatures.
The train also features embedded heating elements in the windshield to automatically defrost the driver’s front lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility in harsh winter conditions.
Additionally, it features all other amenities of the existing Vande Bharat trains – fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors and mobile charging sockets, among others.
The commissioner of railway safety’s approval marked a significant step towards completing the USBRL project, which aims at connecting the Kashmir valley to the broader Indian Railways network.
Over the past month, the Indian Railways conducted six trial runs on various sections of the track, including crucial milestones such as the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge – the Anji Khad bridge – and the arch bridge over the Chenab River in Kauri.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described it as a historic moment and a dream come true.
“A historic moment and a dream come true! Trial run of Vande Bharat Express train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, to Budgam has been successfully completed. Congratulations to Indian Railways officials and the team working on the ground,” he said in a post on X.
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