Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service this week, marking the first-ever rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, TOI reported.
The train was initially scheduled to be launched on April 19, but bad weather forced a delay. The opening was later postponed again following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Now, the project is seen as more than just a major infrastructure development, it's also being viewed as a strong message of defiance against terrorism.
According to sources quoted by TOI, the running of the train after such attacks sends a clear signal of the Centre's commitment to the region and its stability.
Last month, the railways conducted a successful trial run of a special train carrying soldiers along the Katra-Qazigund section, which includes the iconic Chenab Bridge, one of the last key parts of the rail line linking Kashmir to the rest of the country.
A central government official told TOI that both the train and security measures are ready. The Vande Bharat train meant for this route has been specially modified to handle the cold weather. It features heating systems, anti-spall layers for added protection, and automatic doors.
The Katra-Srinagar train is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, which stretches 272 km and includes 119 km of tunnels. This route also features two major engineering landmarks, the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge. The entire project has been completed at a cost of Rs 42,930 crore.
The train was initially scheduled to be launched on April 19, but bad weather forced a delay. The opening was later postponed again following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Now, the project is seen as more than just a major infrastructure development, it's also being viewed as a strong message of defiance against terrorism.
According to sources quoted by TOI, the running of the train after such attacks sends a clear signal of the Centre's commitment to the region and its stability.
Last month, the railways conducted a successful trial run of a special train carrying soldiers along the Katra-Qazigund section, which includes the iconic Chenab Bridge, one of the last key parts of the rail line linking Kashmir to the rest of the country.
A central government official told TOI that both the train and security measures are ready. The Vande Bharat train meant for this route has been specially modified to handle the cold weather. It features heating systems, anti-spall layers for added protection, and automatic doors.
The Katra-Srinagar train is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, which stretches 272 km and includes 119 km of tunnels. This route also features two major engineering landmarks, the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge. The entire project has been completed at a cost of Rs 42,930 crore.
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