The Railway Board has introduced a specially designed Vande Bharat Express train equipped to tackle Jammu Kashmir’s extreme winter conditions.
The train is set to operate on the Katra-Srinagar rail route and is currently undergoing inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, officials said.
Stationed at the Shakurbasti coaching depot in New Delhi, the train features advanced climate-related technology to ensure smooth operations in sub-zero temperatures.
Speaking to the media, Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, highlighted the unique features, including advanced heating systems to prevent freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, warm air circulation for the vacuum system and laboratories, and embedded heating elements in the windshield for defrosting, ensuring clear visibility during harsh winters.
In addition to these upgrades, the train includes all standard amenities found in other Vande Bharat Express trains, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets.
The Railways emphasized that the new train symbolizes India’s commitment to strengthening connectivity and bridging geographical and economic gaps, further integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national railway network.