Watch as the Vande Bharat Express Completes Trial Run on World’s Highest Rail Bridge in J&K
In a historic moment for Indian Railways and Jammu & Kashmir’s connectivity, the specially designed Vande Bharat Express successfully completed its first trial run on Saturday. The train traversed from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) railway station to Srinagar railway station, passing over engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest rail bridge—and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad.
A Journey through History
The trial run saw the Vande Bharat Express making a brief stop at Jammu around 11:30 am, where railway officials and locals enthusiastically welcomed the train with cheers and slogans. The journey continued through scenic landscapes, culminating in Budgam station in the Kashmir Valley.
Three engineering marvels of Bharat;
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 25, 2025
🚄 Vande Bharat crossing over Chenab bridge and Anji khad bridge.
📍Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/tZzvHD3pXq
Commercial operations are expected to begin soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to flag off the inaugural journey from Katra. While the date for the ceremony is yet to be announced, the successful trial marks a significant step toward realizing the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This initiative aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the Indian railway network, enhancing both connectivity and economic opportunities for the region.
Engineered for Extreme Conditions
Designed to overcome Jammu and Kashmir’s severe winter conditions, this version of the Vande Bharat Express includes advanced features like:
- Heating systems to prevent freezing in water and bio-toilet tanks.
- Warm air for vacuum systems and enhanced air-brake functionality.
- Automatic defrosting systems in the windshield to ensure visibility in sub-zero temperatures.
These upgrades complement existing features found in other Vande Bharat trains, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets, offering passengers both comfort and safety.
Symbolizing Progress
Railway officials view the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of India’s commitment to bridging regional and economic divides. As it integrates the Kashmir Valley into the broader railway network, the train embodies technological prowess and infrastructure development on a global scale.
This trial run is a testament to Indian Railways’ ambition to make travel not only seamless but also inspiring, uniting regions and communities across the country.
