GM NR inspects Jammu-Katra rail section ahead of launch of Jammu-Srinagar Vandebharat

General Manager of Northern Railway, Rajesh Kumar Pandey, on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail section to evaluate the operational readiness and safety standards of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. During this significant visit, the General Manager was accompanied by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Jammu, Vivek Kumar, and other senior divisional officials.

During his inspection, the General Manager reviewed the maintenance and operational protocols for the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge located in the Reasi district—and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.

Special attention was paid to track stability, signaling systems, tunnels, and safety infrastructure.

The rail section between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra was thoroughly reviewed.

The General Manager also took stock of the passenger amenities available at the stations and the ongoing modernization works being undertaken under the ‘Amrit Bharat Scheme’. The General Manager issued directives to the officials to complete all pending works within the stipulated timeframes.

He reiterated that Northern Railway remains fully committed to providing efficient, safe, and high-quality rail services in this region. This inspection marks a significant step towards strengthening rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, taking tourism and seamless connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir to new heights, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway is set to launch the Vande Bharat Inaugural Special (Train No. 02601) on April 30, 2026 (Thursday).

This modern 20-coach Vande Bharat train will commence its maiden journey from Jammu Tawi (JAT), traversing the route up to Srinagar while connecting the challenging geographical terrains of the Valley. Prior to the commencement of this significant service, a trial run of the Vande Bharat—operating between Jammu and Srinagar—was conducted today, April 28, from Jammu to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.

Regarding the schedule for the Vande Bharat train running during the inauguration, Train No. 02601—equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and comprising 20 coaches—will cover a total distance of 267 kilometers on April 30, 2026, as part of its inaugural run.

Speaking about this special train, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, stated that “Constructed using indigenous technology, this Vande Bharat Express will offer passengers a world-class travel experience. It features amenities such as the ‘Kavach’ safety system for passenger security, a GPS-based information system, and comfortable rotating seats. This service will not only reduce travel time but also provide a massive boost to the local economy and tourism.”