Indian Railways Introduces Special Vande Bharat Train for Jammu-Kashmir Route Amid Sub-Zero Temperatures

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The Indian Railways has unveiled a special Vande Bharat train designed specifically for the sub-zero temperature conditions on the Jammu-Kashmir route. This train is equipped with a range of advanced features to ensure smooth operations and passenger comfort in extreme winter conditions.

Key Features of the Special Vande Bharat Train:

1. Centralised Heating System:
   • The train is equipped with a centralised heating system to keep the compartments warm, ensuring passenger comfort during the journey.
2. Overheat Protection Sensors:
   • These sensors are installed to prevent the freezing of water tanks and bio-toilet tanks, ensuring the train's systems operate smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures.
3. Self-Regulating Heating Cables:
   • The train is fitted with self-regulating heating cables to prevent water from freezing in the pipes, which is crucial for the train's operations in harsh winter conditions.
4. Heated Windshields:
   • The driver's windshield is equipped with heating elements to ensure clear visibility by preventing frost and ice buildup.
5. Anti-Spill Layers:
   • Special anti-spill layers have been added to protect the driver from impacts during extreme weather or unforeseen events.
6. Ballast-less Tracks:
   • The train will run on ballast-less tracks, which are the most advanced track technology, providing better stability and passenger experience in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Speed and Time Reduction:
   • The journey from Jammu to Srinagar, which typically takes eight to nine hours by road, will be significantly reduced to three hours and ten minutes by the Vande Bharat train.
8. Launch and Maintenance:
   • The train has been built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and is currently being maintained at Shakur Basti in New Delhi. It is expected to be shifted to the Jammu division soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate the train towards the end of January 2025.

Route and Connectivity:

• The train will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to improve rail connectivity in the region. This project includes the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest rail bridge, which was inaugurated in August 2022.

Additional Information:

• The Vande Bharat Express for Jammu and Kashmir will be the first semi-high-speed train for the Kashmir valley, enhancing travel and tourism in the region. It will run six days a week, with expected fare prices of around Rs 1500-1600 for AC Chair Car and Rs 2200-2500 for Executive Chair Car.

This special Vande Bharat train is a significant step towards improving connectivity and travel experience in the challenging climate of Jammu and Kashmir.