Srinagar: Kashmir's long-awaited rail connection
became a reality on Saturday, as a specially designed Vande Bharat Express
arrived in Srinagar, completing its trial run and marking the official end of a
126-year wait for the region to be connected to India's national rail network.
The sleek orange-and-grey train, designed to handle the
challenging winter conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, arrived at Srinagar’s
Nowgam station, located on the outskirts of the city, from Katra in Jammu. It
had made its way to Jammu from Delhi the previous day.
As the train pulled into the station, it was met with a
jubilant crowd of residents, many of whom had gathered to witness the historic
moment. The arrival at 11:30 AM was followed by the train proceeding towards
Budgam.
A Historic Milestone
The project to connect Srinagar with the national rail
network dates back to 1898, when Dogra ruler Maharaja Pratap Singh first
proposed the idea. Despite the initial survey, the project faced significant
setbacks due to its high costs. However, in 2001, under Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, the Udhampur-Baramulla rail link was declared a
national project, with a target completion date of 2007.
After years of challenges, including the daunting task of
building rail infrastructure through mountainous terrain, the project reached
its final stretch. The 17-kilometer section connecting Katra to Vaishno Devi
base camp recently gained approval, triggering a series of successful trial
runs.
Special Features for Extreme Weather
Designed to withstand the region's extreme climate, the
Vande Bharat Express comes equipped with advanced technology and
climate-specific features. The train’s heating systems prevent freezing of
water and bio-toilet tanks, while the air-brake system ensures smooth
operations even in sub-zero temperatures.
One of the key innovations includes embedded heating
elements in the train's windshield, which automatically defrost the driver’s
lookout glass, ensuring clear visibility during harsh winters.
The railway network has completed six trial runs across
different sections of the track, including the country's first cable-stayed
rail bridge at Anji Khad and the iconic Chenab bridge at Kauri.
Engineering Marvels
The Anji Khad bridge, a vital component of the
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, is an engineering marvel, featuring a
single pylon rising 331 meters above the river bed. The Chenab bridge at Kauri,
which stands at a staggering 359 meters above the river bed, holds the
distinction of being the world’s highest railway bridge.
The arrival of the Vande Bharat Express marks a momentous
achievement in the region's connectivity, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set
to officially flag off the service from Katra, though the date for the ceremony
is yet to be announced.
This milestone represents not just an infrastructural
achievement, but a leap toward greater connectivity and economic integration
for Kashmir, finally linking it to the national railway grid after more than a
century.