Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to Commence Service

January 9, 2025

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is infrastructure initiative by Indian Railways. This project aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the Indian Railways network. The USBRL is set to operationalise soon, with the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express train service expected to commence shortly. This service will mark the first direct train connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, enhancing travel efficiency and economic growth in the region.

Overview of the USBRL Project

The USBRL project spans a total length of 272 km.
The USBRL features 927 bridges with a total length of 13 km. Among these is the Chenab Bridge, which will be the highest railway bridge in the world. It has an overall length of 1,315 m and an arch span of 467 m, rising 359 m above the Chenab River bed.
It includes the construction of 38 tunnels, with a combined length of 119 km. The longest tunnel, T-49, measures 12.75 km, making it the country’s longest transportation tunnel.
It connects Udhampur to Baramulla, thereby linking Kashmir with the rest of India.
The project was declared a National Project in 2002, denoting its importance for regional development.
The project involves complex engineering due to the rugged Himalayan terrain.

Key Facts About Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will provide the first-ever train connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
It will initially connect Katra to Srinagar in 3 hours 10 minutes.
Trains are specially designed with anti-freezing technology, allowing operations in temperatures as low as -20°C.
Equipped with snow removal systems (snow ploughs/snow blowers) for all-weather functionality.
Safety features include:

Silicon heating pads and self-regulating heating cables to prevent water freezing.
Embedded heating elements in windshields for clear visibility.
Anti-spall layers to protect drivers during extreme conditions.

Safety Inspections and Regulations

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has completed final safety inspections for the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL. This section is 111 km long, with approximately 97 km through tunnels. The route includes the world’s highest railway arch bridge, ensuring safety and structural integrity.

T-49 is India’s longest transportation tunnel at 12.75 km.
The Chenab Bridge will be the highest railway bridge globally.
Vande Bharat trains can operate in temperatures as low as -20°C.
The USBRL project was declared a National Project in 2002.
The Katra-Banihal section features 97 km of tunnels.

Technical Innovations and Collaborations

Indian Railways has implemented anti-vibration seismic devices in the USBRL project. These devices are crucial for maintaining safety in the earthquake-prone region. Additionally, design issues for Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been resolved, with production contracts awarded to multiple companies. Collaborations with Japanese partners are ongoing for high-speed train technology and infrastructure.

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