In a boost for the RailConnectivity of Jammu and Kashmir, the India Railways successfully performed the first test run of the specially designed of the Bharat Express train on Saturday. The train, which traveled from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) to the Srinagar train station, went through the Chenab Bridge – the world's highest railway bridge.
It also ran through Anji Khad Bridge – The first cable bridges in India.
The train stopped briefly in Jammu around 11.30 am where it was welcomed with slogans and praise for the Indian railways. Then it moved to the next Station Budgam to complete his test run.
The commercial activities of the train will start soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the first trip from Katra expected to mark. The date of the marking ceremony must still be announced.
Special features of the train
The Vande Bharat train is designed to work seamlessly in the challenging winter conditions of Jammu and Kashmir and has special climate-related functions.
In comparison with the other Vande Bharat Express trains that run in different parts of the country, this train has various extra functions to meet operational challenges and the needs of passengers. It includes advanced heating systems that prevent the freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, offer warm air for the vacuum system and ensure optimum operation of the air in-covering system for smooth operations, even at temperatures below zero. The train also has embedded heating elements in the windshield to automatically defrost the driver's look -in glass at the front, which guarantees clear visibility in hard winter conditions.
Apart from this, the train contains other facilities of the existing Bharat trains, such as full air conditioning coaches, automatic plug doors and mobile charging trays.
According to officials, the train symbolizes India's dedication to bridge geographical and economic gaps, PTI reported.
This train marks an important step to completing the 272 km USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) Project-oriented on connecting the Kashmir Valley with the wider Indian rail network.
