Vande Bharat Express Reaches Kashmir Valley

Vande Bharat Express Reaches Kashmir Valley

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Mapping

Context : On the eve of Republic Day, the Vande Bharat Express achieved a significant milestone by entering the Kashmir Valley for the first time. Following two months of trial runs, the train traversed the challenging high-altitude terrain of the Pir Panjal Mountain range, connecting the Valley with the Jammu region.

Key Highlights of the Journey

• Inaugural Run:
  The saffron-and-white Vande Bharat Express departed from Katra station in Jammu at 8 a.m. and reached Srinagar station by 11 a.m., covering the 190 km distance in 3 hours.
• Engineering Marvel:
  The route includes several engineering marvels such as the Anji Khad Bridge (India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge) and the Chenab Bridge (the world’s tallest railway bridge).

Vande Bharat Express: Features

• Advanced Technology:
  The train is equipped to operate in sub-zero temperatures, with technologies designed for extreme cold conditions, including:
  • Bio-toilet tanks
  • A unique air-brake system
  • Warm air circulation systems
  • Triple-layered windscreens with heating filaments for winter visibility
• Enhanced Connectivity:
  • This ambitious rail link reduces travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to 13 hours, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity across rugged terrains.
  • It serves as an alternative to the two primary road routes — Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Rajouri-Jammu.

About Chenab Bridge

• World’s Tallest Railway Bridge:
  • Standing tall over the Chenab River in Reasi, Jammu, the Chenab Bridge is an iconic symbol of India’s engineering prowess. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
• Construction Feats:
  • Built to withstand seismic and extreme weather conditions.
• Located on one of the most challenging terrains, requiring advanced drilling and construction techniques.
• Accompanied by 27 tunnels and 37 bridges between Banihal and Katra on the 111-km section.

Anji Khad Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge

• Design Features:
  • The bridge is constructed over the Anji River in the Reasi district of Jammu.
  • It uses advanced technology to ensure stability and durability in mountainous and seismic-prone areas.
• Strategic Importance:
  • It serves as a vital link for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line, facilitating smooth connectivity across difficult terrains.