Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train service connecting Katra to Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, as per officials. The launch of the train, which was initially planned for April 19, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
“The Prime Minister is expected to flag off the Vande Bharat train services from Katra in the Jammu division to Baramulla in the Valley on June 6, as all arrangements for the train services have been finalized,” officials stated. This train service is projected to facilitate the movement of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, particularly during the frequent disruptions of the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9. Officials also mentioned that additional trains may be deployed in the event of road blockages. PM Modi will inaugurate the train from Katra and will also participate virtually from Baramulla. He is set to address a public rally at Katra Stadium and visit the Chenab railway bridge and the cable-stayed bridge on the railway track in Reasi district prior to the inauguration.
The Vande Bharat train will initially run between Katra and Baramulla, with operations from Jammu to Baramulla expected to commence by August or September, following the expansion of platforms at Jammu Railway Station. Currently, there will be no direct train service to Kashmir from Delhi or other regions. Passengers will need to change trains at Katra and subsequently at Jammu.
A comprehensive security audit of the route was performed following the Pahalgam terror incident. In response, authorities have bolstered security measures by increasing personnel and upgrading infrastructure. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) extends over 272 kilometres. Out of this total, 209 kilometres have been commissioned in phases since 2009.
The last 17-kilometre segment between Reasi and Katra was finalized three months ago. A trial operation of an electric train took place on January 4 on the Katra-Banihal section. The specially crafted Vande Bharat train for Kashmir will be the third of its kind in the region. The complete commissioning of the Katra to Baramulla service, followed by the Jammu to Baramulla route, is anticipated to meet a long-standing transportation need in the Valley. Officials have indicated that this train connectivity will benefit sectors such as horticulture, education, goods transport, and local travel.
