Sat Jan 25 16:15:59 UTC 2025: ## Vande Bharat Express Makes Historic Debut in Kashmir Valley
**Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir –** On the eve of Republic Day, the Vande Bharat Express completed its maiden journey to the Kashmir Valley, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. After successful trial runs over the past two months, the high-speed train traversed the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal range, connecting the Valley to Jammu.
Departing from Katra at 8 a.m., the train, featuring saffron and white coaches, reached Srinagar around 11 a.m., covering the 190 km distance. The journey showcased remarkable engineering feats, including passage over the Anji Khad Bridge (India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge) and the Chenab Bridge (the world’s tallest railway bridge). The line required the construction of 27 tunnels, including a 1,500-meter tunnel near Katra.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the event as a “historic moment,” praising the Indian Railways officials and the project team. Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared images of the train crossing the Chenab Bridge on social media.
The new rail link significantly improves connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, which previously relied on only two road links to the outside world. The Vande Bharat Express will now enable travel between Delhi and Srinagar in approximately 13 hours. The train is equipped for extreme cold weather, boasting features such as a triple-layered windscreen with heating filaments and a unique air-brake system. The new service offers breathtaking views and uninterrupted connectivity across challenging landscapes.
First Piper 