Vande Bharat Express Set to Connect Jammu and Srinagar by Mid-2024
The Indian Railways is set to launch a new Vande Bharat Express connecting the cities of Jammu and Srinagar in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This semi-high speed train is expected to start running by mid-2024 after the completion of the 272-km long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Currently, the Vande Bharat Express operates on the Delhi-Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra route in the Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir. However, a special type of Vande Bharat train has been designed for Jammu and Kashmir, taking into account the temperature and other specific requirements of the region.
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the launch of this new train will shorten the travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from five to six hours by road to just three to three-and-a-half hours. It will also allow travellers to make a round trip between Jammu and Srinagar in the same day.
Benefits of the Vande Bharat Express
Once the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is completed, the Vande Bharat Express will provide a dependable and economical alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which is often closed due to landslides. In addition, the train operating on the rail link will facilitate the transportation of goods, including handicrafts, apples, dry fruits, and pashmina shawls, from the region to other parts of the country.
The reduced costs of daily necessities traveling to the Valley from other areas in the country will also be a significant benefit for locals. This project will boost the region’s economy by improving connectivity, reducing transportation costs, and creating job opportunities.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Express is set to bring a new level of connectivity and convenience to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project will not only benefit the local economy but also provide a faster and more cost-effective transportation alternative for the people of the region. The launch of this new train will undoubtedly be a significant milestone for the Indian Railways and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
