Srinagar, April 24: Nearly 10 months after the launch of the Vande Bharat train service between Srinagar and Katra by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the direct train service between Jammu and Srinagar would start from April 30. It will give all weather connectivity to Kashmir.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishno Devi will inaugurate the train service. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh and other dignitaries will also be present on the occasion.
Railway officials said preparations for the historic event have begun. The event will be held in Jammu from where the Vande Bharat train will be sent to Srinagar via Katra.
Currently, the train is running between Katra and Srinagar.
The direct train service between Srinagar and Jammu will enable all-weather connectivity between the two capitals - Srinagar and Jammu.
According to railway officials, this is a big and historic occasion, the preparations for which are in the final stages.
The Vande Bharat train service was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 last year, providing all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir and fulfilling a dream that was over a century old. The train proved crucial during the closure of the highway due to floods last year and snowfall this year.
This was a historic step for Kashmir as a long-standing dream came true. The extension of Vande Bharat to Jammu will enable people to travel to other parts of the country easily.
According to Railway officials, taking into account the challenging geographical terrain and extreme cold conditions of J&K, Railways has introduced a specially designed 'Vande Bharat' train for the Jammu-Srinagar rail section.
This train not only retains its signature semi-high-speed capability but also incorporates—for the first time—'winterization' technology that enables it to operate smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures.
“In view of the snowy weather conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, several state-of-the-art heating systems have been integrated into this Vande Bharat Express. For the first time in Indian Railways, 'self-regulating heating cables' have been utilized to prevent water pipelines from freezing. These cables are capable of automatically adjusting their heat output based on the external temperature,” the official said.
He said 1800W silicon heating pads have been installed in the water tanks. Additionally, special heating arrangements have been made in the bio-tanks and auxiliary tanks to ensure that the sanitation system remains unaffected.
“For the comfort of passengers, provisions have been made to channel warm air to the restrooms via special ducts connected to the main air conditioning unit. Heaters and thermal insulation have been installed in the Indian-style toilets to ensure the continued functioning of the vacuum evacuation system,” the official said.
An 'embedded heating element' has been installed within the main windshield located in front of the driver's cabin. This technology will prevent the windshield from fogging up during periods of fog and snowfall, thereby ensuring clear visibility for the driver. This marks a first-of-its-kind initiative within the Indian Railways network.
Heaters have also been installed within the air dryer system to ensure the proper functioning of the air brake system.
To protect against potential damage caused by stones (ballast) from the tracks, the pneumatic valves located near the water tanks have been shielded with stainless steel covers.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated, "The operation of this specialized Vande Bharat in the Jammu & Kashmir region fulfills a long-standing demand of both passengers and local residents. Our objective is not merely to provide faster travel, but also to ensure 'all-weather' connectivity—even amidst the biting cold of the Valley”.
He said this train will serve as a strong and reliable bridge connecting devotees traveling to Vaishno Devi with the Valley, while simultaneously boosting tourism in the region.