PM Modi likely to flag off Vande Bharat train to Srinagar this week

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service this week which will mark the first rail link to Kashmir valley from the rest of the country.

The PM was supposed to greenlight the train on April 19 but could not do so because of inclement weather. The opening ceremony had to be deferred because of Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, two developments which have invested what was supposed to be a major infrastructure project with much greater significance.

Coming against the backdrop of Pahalgam terror attack that was conceived to reverse tourism-based economic development, running of the first train to Srinagar will be seen as both Centre's continuing commitment to the border state and a message of defiance, sources said.

Last month, railways successfully ran its first "trial special train", carrying soldiers, on Katra-Qazigund section, including the Chenab Bridge , which is in the final leg of the stretch that connects Kashmir with the rest of India by rail.

"The trains and the security apparatus are in place for operation," a central govt official said. Railways has made changes to Vande Bharat train that will operate between Katra and Srinagar. It has features such as heating systems ensuring smooth operation in cold weather, anti-spall layers, and automatic doors.

Katra-Srinagar link is part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project that spans 272km and includes 119km of tunnels. It includes two iconic engineering marvels - the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge. The entire corridor has been completed with an investment of Rs 42,930 crore.