JAMMU: In a major boost to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, a specially designed Vande Bharat Express will begin operations between the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar from April 30, officials announced on Friday.
The premium train service, which has been operating between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar for over nine months, will now be extended up to Jammu Tawi, enhancing travel convenience for passengers.
The service was originally flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 last year after the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which enabled all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
According to a notification issued by Northern Railway, the extended service will be inaugurated as a special run on April 30, departing from Jammu at 10:30 am.
Officials highlighted that the train has been specially engineered for the region's harsh terrain and extreme winter conditions. It retains its semi-high-speed capability while introducing 'winterisation' technology to ensure smooth functioning even in sub-zero temperatures.
Advanced heating systems have been installed across the train. These include self-regulating heating cables to prevent freezing of water pipelines and 1800W silicon heating pads in water tanks. Heating mechanisms have also been integrated into bio-toilets and auxiliary tanks to maintain uninterrupted sanitation services.
Passenger comfort has been further enhanced with warm air ducts extending to restrooms, along with heaters and thermal insulation in Indian-style toilets. A water-draining system has also been incorporated to prevent freezing when the train is stationary.
In a first for Indian Railways, the driver's windshield is equipped with an embedded heating element to prevent fogging during snowfall, ensuring better visibility. Additional heaters in the air dryer system help maintain efficient braking performance.
The train comes equipped with modern amenities such as full air-conditioning, automatic plug doors, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance, and regenerative braking. It is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 km per hour.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the service addresses a long-standing demand of residents and passengers.
"Our objective is not only to provide faster travel but also to ensure reliable all-weather connectivity. This train will strengthen the link between pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley, while also giving a boost to tourism in the region," he said.