Jobaaj Stories
Indian Railways is preparing to launch a new train service that will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the service in January 2024, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed. The new rail link is part of a larger effort to improve infrastructure in Kashmir.
Along with the train service, Prime Minister Modi will also open a new 6.5-kilometer road tunnel that connects Sonamarg to Kangan town in Kashmir. This tunnel will make travel easier and faster in the region, helping both locals and tourists.
The final inspection of the Katra-Reasi section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line is scheduled for January 5, 2024. This inspection will ensure everything is ready for the trains to start running, and services are expected to begin soon after.
On Wednesday, a cargo train completed a trial run on the 17-kilometer Katra-Reasi section. This trial is part of testing the new railway line before it opens for passenger service.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the track construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line is now finished. He shared the news on December 13, saying the last part of the track work on Tunnel T-33, which connects Katra and Reasi, was completed successfully. This tunnel is located near the famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
To handle the region’s tough weather conditions, Indian Railways has made special changes to five sleeper trains and a Vande Bharat train. These trains have been modified with chair cars to provide comfort and safety for passengers traveling in the cold and snowy climate of Kashmir. The modifications were made at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
In addition, airport-style security checks will be set up at stations to ensure passengers' safety while boarding the trains.
This new rail service is expected to greatly improve travel between Kashmir and the rest of India. It will help boost tourism, trade, and overall development in the region, making it easier for people to travel and connect with other parts of the country.
