The Indian Railways on Saturday conducted the first trial run of Vande Bharat train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station to Srinagar station on Chenab Bridge.
The train will also pass through Anji Khad Bridge which is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge. The train has been specially designed according to the cold climate of Kashmir valley.
The Chenab Bridge in Reasi is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
This new rail service, which will improve the connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, and will also boost tourism in the valley state as it will provide travel convenience for pilgrims and tourists coming in the state.
A report from The Financial Express stated that the commercial operations are expected to begin in February this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the first journey during the first week of the month. However, the Railway Board is still finalising the precise date and time.
Chenab Rail Bridge was built 359m above the Chenab River at a cost of Rs 14,000 crore. This bridge can endure extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as -40°C.
The first Vande Bharat train, also known as India's first indegenous semi-speed train, was launched on February 2019, between New Delhi and Varanasi.