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Speaking to News18, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP), Railway Board, said that two eight-coach Vande Bharat trains have been suitably upgraded for operations in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate these trains on Saturday
Specially designed Vande Bharat Express train crosses the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel during a trial run, entering the Kashmir Valley. (File photo/PTI)
With train operations commencing between Kashmir Valley and Jammu for the first time, the region will get two custom-designed Vande Bharat trains that will offer two services daily between Srinagar and Katra.
Speaking to News18, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP), Railway Board, said that two eight-coach Vande Bharat trains have been suitably upgraded for operations in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate these trains on Saturday.
“Two rakes have been organised for Kashmir valley. One train will start from Katra for Srinagar and will conclude its journey in Katra. Similarly, another train will start from Srinagar and will conclude its journey back to Srinagar. That way, there will be two services offered to the people from each side,” Kumar said.
The train journey between Katra and Srinagar will take about three hours.
“The number of services can be increased in the future, depending upon the demand of the people and the law and order situation in the valley,” he said.
Also, direct trains for Srinagar can only be provided from Katra as of now. The Jammu Tawi station is under renovation for upgrade as an “Amrit Bharat station”.
“Jammu station is being developed as a world-class station under the Amrit Bharat scheme. Once the work is completed, the decision on expansion will be taken accordingly,” Kumar added.
Unlike the rest of the country, operating trains in Kashmir is different. The temperature goes below zero degrees Celsius, and the valley witnesses one of the harshest winters. To ensure that train operations continue even at below-zero temperatures, Indian Railways has added some special features to the Vande Bharat trains, including heating elements in windshields.
These are eight-coach Vande Bharat trains with seven chair car coaches and one executive class coach.
To avoid blockages due to freezing, silicon heating pads have been added in water and bio-toilet tanks, with overheat protection sensors ensuring safety and reliability.
Also, the trains have heated plumbing pipelines installed with self-regulating heating cables to prevent water from freezing, ensuring smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures.
Further, heaters are also installed in the “Indian toilets” to provide warm air for vacuum systems and lavatories, enhancing passenger comfort.