Vaishnaw flags off train at Jammu Tawi; surveys on for Rajouri–Poonch link
Jammu Tawi, Apr 30: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The train, which earlier ran between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now operate up to Jammu Tawi.
After the flag-off, the minister inspected key structures of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), including the Anji and Chenab bridges. He was flanked by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior railway officials, and BJP leaders.
Speaking to reporters, Vaishnaw, as reported by the news agency, said the Vande Bharat service, launched last year after the inauguration of the Jammu–Srinagar rail line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now been upgraded from 8 to 20 coaches. “The service has been extended from Katra to Jammu to meet rising demand,” he said.
He said the trains have witnessed 100 per cent occupancy since launch, with over 5.5 lakh passengers already travelling on the route.
Vaishnaw said improved rail connectivity has boosted freight movement and reduced logistics costs. “Cement prices have dropped by around Rs 50 per bag. Over 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported to Delhi, and movement of perishables like cherries will become easier,” he said, adding that essential goods such as milk and salt are now being transported efficiently by rail.
He said train services remained operational even during heavy snowfall and landslides, reflecting system reliability. The trains are equipped with advanced electronics suited for high-altitude and extreme winter conditions, including temperatures up to minus 10°C.
The Railway Minister said efforts are underway to further enhance capacity through automatic signalling and additional crossing stations. He added that a proposal to extend the rail line from Baramulla to Uri is under consideration, while survey and design work is in progress for connectivity to Rajouri and Poonch.
“The next focus is doubling the Qazigund–Srinagar stretch to allow more trains on the route,” he said, adding that modern railway technologies on par with European standards are being implemented in J&K.
Vaishnaw further said that Jammu railway station is being developed into a modern facility, with multiple stations across the Union Territory undergoing upgrades.
On the occasion, CM Omar Abdullah said the increase from 8 to 20 coaches will enable nearly 1,400 passengers to travel per trip, terming it a major boost to connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
He said Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Railway Protection Force, said CORAS commandos have been deployed to secure Vande Bharat trains on the Katra–Srinagar route.
“We have implemented a ‘one plus twenty’ guard system led by an inspector, with RPF commandos ensuring security along the route,” Omar said.
SSP Railways J&K Waseem Qadri said comprehensive security arrangements are in place, with around 3,000 CCTV cameras monitoring the track and guard rooms established along the route.
“Drone surveillance and peripheral guarding have been deployed across all stations. Passengers, including tourists, need not worry as robust security measures are in place,” he said, adding that the system will be strengthened further.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir has urged Ashwini Vaishnaw to consider introducing a halt for the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag Railway Station.
Vande Bharat connectivity big development: CM
Demands dry (inland) port for UT to boost trade, business’
Jammu Tawi, Apr 30: Terming launch of Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar as a big development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that nearly 1,400 people can now travel daily between the two capital cities daily.
Speaking at the flag-off event, CM Omar said, “On this occasion, I thank Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Central Government. Today, we have connected Jammu with Kashmir through the railways.”
He said the rail link has opened new avenues for transporting goods such as cement and automobiles, giving a major boost to trade and business.
“The speciality of this train is that it has not only enabled people like us to travel but has also facilitated the transport of goods such as cement. I was surprised to see Maruti cars being transported to Srinagar and fruits from Kashmir by rail,” he said.
CM Omar also appealed to the Railways Minister to set up an inland port in Jammu and Kashmir to ease customs clearance for exports from the Union Territory.
“I have a request for the Railways Minister, even though it does not pertain directly to his ministry. I request that an inland port be set up in J&K. There is an urgent need for a dry port here so that we do not require customs clearance in other cities for goods exported from here. Customs clearance should take place within J&K—it will benefit our trade and business,” the CM added.
He said that while he would raise the issue with the Central Government, he also appealed to Union Ministers Vaishnaw and Jitendra Singh, along with the MPs present, to take up the matter with the Centre. “This inland or dry port will prove very beneficial for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that people had been waiting for it for many years.
“For many years, we had been waiting to travel by train from Jammu to Srinagar. Now, there is no need to travel to Katra from Jammu, or vice versa, by road,” he said.
CM Omar said that he had never expected the railway line to become so popular that he would have to seek favours to reserve seats. “Thankfully, the train has now been upgraded from eight coaches to 20. Earlier, around 500 passengers could travel; now, nearly 1,400 people can travel daily. This is a huge development for us,” he added.
RPF Commandos to guard Vande Bharat in J-K
Jammu Tawi, Apr 30 : Apart from the multi-layered security setup along the 327-kilometre Jammu-Katra-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line, 21 security personnel, including RPF commandos, will guard the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service launched by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday, an official said.
Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the 20-coach train, which is expected to cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to five hours, here in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Talking to reporters, Pankaj Gangwar, principal chief security commissioner, Indian Railway Protection Force Service, said, “Today is the start of this service from Jammu. Its regular service will begin from May 2.”
He said a comprehensive security grid has been put in place to protect the railway line as well as the Vande Bharat train.
“For initial security, we have deployed a ‘one plus twenty’ guard system. An inspector will lead the team, which also includes eight Railway Protection Force (RPF) commandos who will ensure security along the route,” Gangwar said, adding that they are fully equipped with advanced weapons.
The official said the railways will also operate a pilot vehicle ahead of the train for security purposes. “It will move in advance in the morning and address any shortcomings along the route,” he said.
Furthermore, guard posts have been established at every 2 kilometres, manned by quick reaction teams consisting of Government Railway Police and civil police personnel.
“On receiving any information, they will immediately secure the affected area,” he said.
On tunnel security, he explained that a tunnel control system is put in place, which is jointly managed by the engineering teams and the Government Railway Police.
“Sensors have been installed to detect any unusual activity — whether fire or intrusion — and they immediately trigger alarms. Both ends of the tunnels are guarded,” he added.
Escape tunnels have been provided so that, in case of any emergency, stranded passengers can be evacuated safely.
“You will see that there is complete and robust security throughout the route. Moreover, the affection and support of the people of Kashmir itself serve as a strong assurance for the safety of this service,” Gangwar said.
