Vinod Bhat
Jammu, June 06 : The Vande Bharat Express is not just a symbol of hope for Jammu and Kashmir’s brighter future but also a transformative connectivity solution that will strengthen the region’s integration with the rest of India, said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Infrastructure & Planning) of Indian Railways.
In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch Special Correspondent Vinod Bhat, Kumar remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of this dream project marks a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.
He emphasized that the Vande Bharat Express will revolutionize travel in the region, easing commuter hardships while boosting trade and commerce across the nation.
The newly launched service will operate four daily round trips between Katra and Srinagar, seamlessly linking the region to India’s vast rail network. The schedule is as follows:
– Train No. 26401: Departs Katra at 8:10 AM, arrives in Srinagar at 11:10 AM
– Train No. 26403: Departs Katra at 2:55 PM, reaches Srinagar by 6:00 PM
– Train No. 26404 : Departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM, arrives in Katra by 11:05 AM
– Train No. 26402: Departs Srinagar at 2:00 PM, reaches Katra by 5:00 PM
The high-speed service will slash travel time between Katra and Srinagar from 8 hours to just 3 hours, significantly benefiting businesses and travelers alike. This improved connectivity is expected to spur economic growth, facilitating trade in key sectors such as apples, cherries, and other commercial goods between Kashmir and major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
Kumar highlighted the advanced features of the Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train designed for speed, comfort, and modernity. These trains underscore India’s strides in cutting-edge rail technology.
Key Amenities Include:
✔ Automatic doors
✔ Reclining seats with enhanced comfort
✔ GPS-based passenger information systems
✔ Onboard Wi-Fi
✔ Fully air-conditioned coaches
✔ Mobile charging sockets at every seat
Given Jammu & Kashmir’s extreme winter conditions, the new Vande Bharat train has been specially equipped with:
✔ Advanced heating systems to prevent freezing
✔ Embedded heating elements in windshields for quick defrosting
✔ Enhanced operational efficiency in sub-zero temperatures
With these innovations, the Vande Bharat Express promises a smooth, luxurious, and efficient journey for passengers, further cementing its role as a catalyst for J&K’s progress.
