🚆 India’s First Vande Bharat Train in Jammu & Kashmir Inaugurated by PM Modi – A Major Step Towards Regional Connectivity
Date: June 6, 2025
In a historic moment for India's transportation infrastructure and northern development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the first-ever Vande Bharat Express train in Jammu & Kashmir, connecting Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The ceremony took place amidst great enthusiasm at the Srinagar railway station, where local residents, dignitaries, and media gathered to witness the landmark event.
🔷 What Makes This Train Special?
The train, officially named the 26403/26404 Srinagar–SMVD Katra Vande Bharat Express, is a part of the prestigious Vande Bharat series, which is known for its high-speed, fully electrified, and modern semi-bullet train service. But what sets this particular train apart is that it is the first Vande Bharat service to operate in the challenging terrain of Jammu & Kashmir – a region long underserved by modern rail infrastructure.
This route is not just symbolic; it’s strategic. It connects the capital city Srinagar to the holy town of Katra, which is the base station for millions of pilgrims visiting the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine every year. The new service will cut down travel time between the two cities to just over 3 hours, a massive improvement over previous road or slower train travel.
🛠 Train Features and Technology
This train is a Mini Vande Bharat 2.0 model, equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern features:
- Fully air-conditioned coaches
- Aircraft-style reclining seats
- CCTV surveillance and automatic doors
- Onboard Wi-Fi and infotainment systems
- Advanced safety systems, including ‘Kavach’ – an anti-collision technology
- Eco-friendly and energy-efficient operations
With a maximum speed of 130 km/h, the train ensures a smooth and fast ride through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, including snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, and pristine rivers.
🌍 A Boost to Tourism and Development
Tourism is one of the largest contributors to the Jammu & Kashmir economy, and this new train service is expected to give it a significant boost. Not only will it make pilgrimage travel faster and safer, but it will also attract more domestic and international tourists to explore the beauty of Kashmir in a comfortable way.
Business travelers and local residents will also benefit from faster connectivity, helping the region integrate more deeply with the national economy.
🗣 PM Modi's Address
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said:
> “The arrival of Vande Bharat in Jammu and Kashmir is a proud moment for every Indian. It reflects our commitment to connect the remotest regions of the country with modern infrastructure. This is not just a train – it is a symbol of new India, a stronger India, and a more connected India.”
He also praised the engineers and workers who made the dream of rail connectivity in this terrain a reality, despite weather and logistical challenges.
📅 Schedule and Operation
The train will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, and includes stops at Baramulla, Banihal, Qazigund, Anantnag, Jammu Tawi, and finally SMVD Katra. With a well-optimized schedule, it caters to both daily commuters and long-distance passengers.
🇮🇳 Final Thoughts
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express in Jammu & Kashmir is not just a transportation development; it is a symbol of inclusion, progress, and hope. For the people of the region, it means faster access to healthcare, education, jobs, and spirituality.
With this launch, the government has taken another bold step toward ensuring that no part of India is left behind in its journey of development.
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