Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat from April 30: Timings, unique features, speed and more

A Jammu-special Vande Bharat, designed to handle the region's climatic conditions, will be flagged off on April 30. The premium train (02601/26402) has been running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar for over nine months. Now on, it will be extended to Jammu Tawi. The train, which has 20 coaches, will leave Jammu at 10.30 am and reach Srinagar at 3.05 pm. It will reduce the travel time between the cities to under 3 hours, whereas it usually takes around 6 hours. A Northern Railway notification said the extension of the Vande Bharat train to Jammu Tawi will be inaugurated as a special service on April 30, with the train flagged off from Jammu at 10.30 am.

Unique design for tough terrain
The train caters to the region's challenging terrain and extreme cold. This train incorporates 'winterisation' technology to ensure smooth operations even in sub-zero temperatures. It is also integrated with several advanced heating systems. Self-regulating heating cables have been installed to prevent water pipelines from freezing, while 1800W silicon heating pads have been fitted in water tanks. Heating arrangements have also been made in bio-toilets and auxiliary tanks to ensure uninterrupted sanitation. 

Passenger comfort
Warm air ducts have been extended to restrooms, and heaters, along with thermal insulation, have been installed in Indian-style toilets. A water-draining facility has also been incorporated to prevent freezing during stabling. In a first for Indian Railways, an embedded heating element has been installed in the driver's windshield to prevent fogging during snowfall and ensure clear visibility. Heaters have also been fitted in the air dryer system to maintain efficient braking performance.

Safety features
Equipped with modern features, including full air-conditioning, automatic plug doors, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance and regenerative braking, the train is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 km per hour. This train will further strengthen the link between pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley, while also boosting tourism in the region.
(With PTI inputs)