New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the much-awaited Vande Bhrat Express sleeper train connecting Jammu to Srinagar today. This marks a milestone on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which boasts the country’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge and the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River.
PM Modi will flag off the train from Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Currently, the Vande Bharat Express is operational from Delhi to Katra and with Monday’s flag-off, its route will be extended to Srinagar.
The first Vande Bharat train crosses Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge. (Credit: PTI)
With climate-friendly technology, the train will improve connectivity, boost tourism, and support industries. Once fully operational after Jammu station upgrades, travel time from Delhi to Srinagar will be 13 hours, with completion expected by August.
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: A Vande Bharat train crosses through the world’s highest railway bridge, Chenab Bridge in Reasi. The bridge falls on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).#JammuAndKashmir #ChenabBridge pic.twitter.com/KONhE2PDLD
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 25, 2025
Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express routs, tickets price & more
This will be the third semi-high-speed rail for the Union Territory and the first for the Kashmir Valley. The train has successfully completed its test runs and will be operated and maintained by Northern Railway.
With this new service, commuters can expect a world-class travel experience. The train will connect SVDK and Srinagar, reducing the current road travel time of 8-10 hours to just three hours.
The journey will begin from SVDK at 8:10 am, reaching Srinagar at 11:20 am. For the return trip, the Vande Bharat Express will depart from Srinagar at 12:45 pm and arrive at SVDK by 3:55 pm.
Designed to endure extreme cold, this Vande Bharat Express functions efficiently even at -20°C. It features 16 air-conditioned coaches, including two executive-class coaches.
The train is equipped with advanced heating systems for passenger comfort, a heated windshield to prevent fogging or freezing in the driver’s cabin, and anti-freezing plumbing to ensure smooth operations in harsh winter conditions.