JAMMU – In a historic leap for connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the high-speed Vande Bharat Express successfully completed its trial run between Jammu and Srinagar this Friday. The semi-high-speed train is slated for its official inauguration on April 30, cutting travel time through the challenging Himalayan terrain to approximately six hours.
The Final Countdown: Successful Speed Trials
The 20-coach rake—specifically engineered to handle the steep gradients and sub-zero temperatures of the region—departed Jammu Tawi station at 12:15 PM on Friday. Maintaining a steady pace between 70 and 90 km/h, the train arrived in Srinagar by 5:00 PM.
Simultaneously, a second rake stationed at Budgam conducted a reverse trial, reaching Jammu Tawi at 5:00 PM after navigating traffic and yielding passage to existing services along the route. These rigorous tests ensure that all systems, from the specialized braking to the winterized water pipes, are ready for public use.
Inauguration Details
The Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, will officially flag off the Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 02601) on April 30 at 10:30 AM.
Expected Schedule for the Inaugural Run:
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Departure (Jammu Tawi): 10:30 AM
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Arrival (SMVD Katra): 11:54 AM
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Departure (SMVD Katra): 11:59 AM
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Final Arrival (Srinagar): 3:05 PM
Regular service is expected to follow a morning departure from Jammu between 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM. This strategic timing allows the train to reach Katra by 8:00 AM, ensuring it does not overlap with the existing Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat schedule.
Booking and Security
Railway authorities have indicated that reservations are expected to open this weekend (Saturday or Sunday) via the IRCTC portal and offline counters.
In anticipation of the high-profile launch, security at Jammu Tawi Station has been significantly bolstered:
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New Infrastructure: Installation of advanced bag scanners and multi-zone metal detector gates is underway.
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Station Upgrades: Platforms 6 and 7, the primary hubs for the new service, are receiving final aesthetic touches, including the completion of a new pedestrian overbridge.
A Milestone for the USBRL Project
The launch marks the culmination of decades of engineering efforts on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). By linking the winter and summer capitals with a direct, high-speed rail connection, the service is expected to revolutionize tourism and trade, providing an all-weather alternative to the often-blocked Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
“This is more than just a train; it is a lifeline that brings the Valley closer to the rest of India,” said a senior railway official involved in the trials.
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