Big thing for J-K: BJP's Baldev Raj Sharma on PM Modi to flag off Vande Bharat Express train

ANI April 10, 2025 251 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a landmark visit to Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurating the world's highest rail bridge. The Vande Bharat Express will connect Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, starting from Katra railway station. This significant infrastructure project demonstrates the government's commitment to improving connectivity in the region. The train has been specially designed to withstand the cold climate of Kashmir, marking a new era of transportation and integration.

"This is a historic moment for Katra and J&K" - Baldev Raj Sharma, BJP MLA
New Delhi, April 10: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Baldev Raj Sharma on Thursday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming event of inaugurating the highest rail bridge----Chenab Rail Bridge as "historic" for Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points

1

World's highest rail bridge to be inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir

2

Vande Bharat Express connects Kashmir Valley to mainland India

3

Train designed for cold climate conditions

4

First trial run completed on January 23

Speaking to ANI, Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency MLA said that PM Modi will also flag a Vande Bharat Kashmir from Katra.

"PM Modi will be inaugurating the world's highest rail bridge, Chenab Rail Bridge, on April 19 and will flag off the first Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir from Katra. This is a historic moment for Katra and J&K. This is a big thing for Jammu and Kashmir state," Sharma said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh had earlier confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train, which will undertake the journey from Jammu to Srinagar via Katra district.

He said that the train services for the inaugural Vande Bharat would start from Katra, temporarily, since the Jammu railway station remains under construction. Highlighting the importance of the inaugural event, the Union Minister said that the Vande Bharat would connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country.

"PM Narendra Modi will visit Udhampur on April 19 to inaugurate the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat, and the service is being started from Katra temporarily because of the Jammu railway station being under construction... This will be a grand event connecting Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country," Singh told reporters here.

On January 23, Indian Railways conducted the trial run of the first Vande Bharat train from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) railway station to the Srinagar railway station. The train will run through Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world.

This train has been designed keeping in mind the cold climate conditions of the Kashmir valley.

Notably, the first Vande Bharat Express train was flagged off on February 15, 2019, on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route, running at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour.

During the financial year 2022-23, approximately 31.84 lakh were booked to travel on Vande Bharat trains. The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat trains during this period has been 96.62 per cent.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is truly a game-changer for J&K tourism! The Chenab Bridge looks spectacular in pictures, can't wait to experience the train ride myself. Kudos to the engineers who made this possible! 🚆
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the infrastructure development, I hope they've considered the environmental impact of these projects in such sensitive regions. The article doesn't mention any ecological studies done.
S
Sunil T.
My parents are from Katra and they're so excited about this! Finally, easier travel options for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi. The Vande Bharat trains are so comfortable too. 🙏
A
Anjali R.
The engineering marvels mentioned here - Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge - deserve more attention. These are world-class infrastructure projects that showcase India's technical capabilities.
V
Vikram S.
I took the Vande Bharat from Delhi to Varanasi last month - super smooth ride! Excited to see this service expanding to J&K. Hope they maintain the same quality standards with this new route.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Vande Bharat Express Narendra Modi Jammu and Kashmir Chenab Rail Bridge Indian Railways Katra
You May Like!