Vande Bharat Express Defies Kashmir Snowfall with Uninterrupted Service
Despite fresh snowfall blanketing several districts across the Kashmir Valley on Friday, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express maintained its regular schedule, showcasing the resilience of India's modern rail infrastructure. The season's first snowfall affected areas including Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama, Bandipora, Anantnag, and Kulgam, with Srinagar city also witnessing the winter precipitation.
Transport Disruptions Amid Winter Weather
The weather conditions led to significant disruptions in other transport modes. Authorities closed the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to safety concerns, and several flights were cancelled at the region's airports. However, train operations in the Kashmir Valley remained remarkably unaffected, thanks to dedicated efforts by railway personnel.
Round-the-Clock Efforts Ensure Smooth Operations
Railway staff from the Jammu Division of Northern Railway have been working tirelessly, clearing snow from tracks to ensure safe and smooth train movement. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, shared stunning photographs with Indianexpress.com showing the distinctive orange-and-grey Vande Bharat train navigating through picturesque snow-covered landscapes.
Engineering Marvel Connects Key Destinations
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, originally flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, represents a significant advancement in regional connectivity. The train traverses engineering marvels including the Chenab and Anji rail bridges during its journey.
Key operational details include:
- Journey time of approximately three hours between Katra and Srinagar
- Reduction in travel time by two to three hours compared to previous services
- Two operational trains on the route: 26402/26401 and 26404/26403
- Commercial operations commenced from June 7, 2025
- Intermediate stops at Reasi and Banihal stations
Modern Amenities for Passenger Comfort
The Kashmir Vande Bharat train features eight coaches with two seating arrangements: Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. This modern rolling stock represents India's commitment to upgrading rail infrastructure while maintaining service reliability even during challenging weather conditions.
The uninterrupted operation of these trains during snowfall demonstrates the effectiveness of railway maintenance protocols and the dedication of railway staff working in difficult winter conditions to keep this vital transportation link functional.
