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The ceremony is going to be witnessed by major dignitaries, such as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and ex-Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
New Rail Connectivity to Kashmir
Presently, Kashmir has train services only on the Sangaldan-Baramulla route, with links to long-distance trains at Katra. The new Vande Bharat Express will fill this gap by starting between Katra and Baramulla and offering the first direct rail connection to the region.
Route Highlights
- Initial route: Katra to Baramulla - Expansion to Jammu in the future after upgrading stations
- Being a part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project
- Overall length of rail link: 272 km
- It has the world's tallest railway bridge, Chenab Bridge
PM Modi to Visit Chenab Bridge Prior to Launch
Prior to the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Chenab Bridge in Reasi district, where railway officials will give him a briefing on its engineering importance. He will then travel to Katra to officially inaugurate the train service and address a public meeting. His visit will end with a return flight to New Delhi from Udhampur Army Airport.
Expansion Plans and Security Measures
The Vande Bharat Express will start between Katra and Baramulla. However, after the expansion work at Jammu Railway Station gets over later in the year, the service will be extended to begin from Jammu.
At present, there are no direct trains from Delhi and other major cities to Kashmir. Travelers have to change trains at Katra and soon at Jammu as well until a full fledged direct journey is initiated.
Security plans for the launch have taken top priority, with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan guiding preparations in concert with top railway officials to organize a secure and smooth rollout.
Engineering Wonder: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link
The 272 kilometer long Udhampur Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project was being developed in stages since 2009. The last 17-kilometer section from Reasi to Katra was completed three months back, facilitating trial runs of the Vande Bharat Express with success.
Some of the toughest rail infrastructure of the nation can be found on the project, such as the Chenab Bridge, the world's tallest railway bridge.
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is expected to enhance tourism, improve accessibility, and strengthen the region's integration with India's transport network.
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