Srinagar, April 16, 2025: A trial run of the Vande Bharat Express was successfully conducted on the Katra-Sangaldan section of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed. The high-speed train, stationed at Katra, underwent rigorous testing to ensure operational readiness on this critical stretch of the mega railway project.
The Vande Bharat Express, designed to withstand the sub-zero temperatures of the Kashmir Valley, features eight fully air-conditioned coaches equipped with advanced amenities, including cab heating, HVAC systems with 9kW heating capacity, sealed gangways, infotainment displays, CCTV surveillance, LED lighting, mobile charging ports, automatic plug doors, and electro-pneumatic brakes. The trial run is a significant step toward the train’s anticipated inaugural run, which was postponed following the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, as confirmed by Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS).
The Katra-Sangaldan section is a vital part of the USBRL, aimed at enhancing connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. The successful trial underscores the progress of this ambitious infrastructure project, with further tests and preparations ongoing to ensure seamless operations.