Katra-Srinagar train launch is all set to become a historic milestone in India’s rail journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to flag off the first-ever train connecting Katra and Srinagar on April 19. This long-awaited railway link is expected to boost tourism, strengthen regional connectivity, and provide faster, safer transport for residents and pilgrims traveling to the Kashmir Valley. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and picturesque routes, the Katra-Srinagar train launch symbolizes the government’s commitment to inclusive development and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
On that day, the PM would also officially open Kashmir’s engineering wonder, the Chenab bridge, according to local railway officials.
Katra-Srinagar train launch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the first train from Katra in Jammu to Srinagar in Kashmir on April 19, marking a historic moment in regional rail connectivity. (Representational photo | Credit: PTI Photo)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the first train from Katra in Jammu and Srinagar in Kashmir on April 19.
The launch of this train will provide direct access to the nation’s rail system in the Kashmir Valley.
According to railway authorities here, the PM will also officially open the Chenab bridge in Kashmir, an engineering marvel.
Initially, there will be a single Vande Bharat train run by the national transporter between Katra and Srinagar, allowing passengers to travel the distance in slightly more than three hours. At the moment, it takes six to seven hours.
According to the railways, a specially built Vande Bharat train with anti-freezing capabilities has already been presented for use on the Jammu-Srinagar route.
As part of the Katra-Srinagar train launch preparations, the railway has been conducting trial runs between Kashmir and Jammu for the past two months across various segments of the track, including the two engineering marvels—Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.
Of the 272 km long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, 209 kilometers have been put into service.
“Katra-Srinagar Train Launch: Katra to Sangaldan Segment Ready for Dedication”
“There are currently rail services from Sangaldan to Baramulla as well as from the rest of India up to Katra. The railway official declared that the 63-kilometer Katra to Sangaldan segment was prepared for dedication.
Due to geological, topographical, and meteorological difficulties, the ambitious plan to connect Kashmir by train was initiated in 1997 but failed to meet multiple deadlines.
The construction of the Chenab Bridge on the Katra-Srinagar train launch route across the Chenab River is described as a feat of engineering prowess.
Providing foundation support for the world’s tallest arch bridge (a 359-meter structure) on the Chenab River was the project’s most difficult task. It was accomplished with 30,000 tonnes of steel and the rock bolting technology.
The Eiffel Tower is 35 meters shorter than the bridge that spans the Chenab River. According to the official, the bridge’s construction was difficult because the area is prone to earthquakes. Therefore, the design and construction were done so that the bridge would not be impacted even if an earthquake of magnitude eight were to strike.
“The other main challenge was to build India’s first cable-stayed bridge on the Anji River, a key part of the Katra-Srinagar train launch project. The two other bridges on the section are Reasi Bridge and Bakkal Bridges.”
Given that this area is vulnerable to earthquakes in zone V, the Railways has implemented anti-vibration seismic devices in the project to provide passengers with a comfortable and secure travel experience. By absorbing the vibrations in the Himalayan environment, these dampers will enable commuters to move more quickly and safely.
“The Vande Bharat Express running in Kashmir is different from the Vande Bharat Express running across the country, especially in terms of its design and features for the Katra-Srinagar train launch.”
Clear vision in extremely cold or hot weather is ensured by the heated windshield in the driver’s cabin, which keeps it from freezing or fogging up. According to the railways, the train also contains heating components in the bio-toilets and pipes to keep water from freezing and guarantee that vital systems keep working in cold weather.
