Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off the much-awaited Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar, connecting the Kashmir Valley with Jammu region for the first time by rail. These trains will run six days a week starting June 7, transforming travel across the newly completed Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
CORAS Deployed for Enhanced Security
To ensure high-level passenger safety, Commandos of the Railway Protection Force (RPF)—also known as CORAS (Commandos for Railway Security)—have been deployed on these trains. This is the first-ever deployment of CORAS in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a strategic shift from their earlier roles in Naxal-affected regions.
Each of the two Vande Bharat trains will be guarded by 15 commandos and one supervisor, with personnel stationed in Budgam (Kashmir) and Katra (Reasi). These commandos were visible during the train’s inaugural run and will continue to secure daily operations.
Why Security Is a Priority
The deployment reflects the sensitive nature of railway travel in J&K, particularly due to the region’s strategic and political significance. The government aims to assure passengers of both comfort and safety, especially with increased connectivity to religious hubs like Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Trains Built for Harsh Climates
The new Vande Bharat trains are designed to withstand Kashmir’s extreme winters. Features include advanced heating systems, frost-resistant windshields, and well-insulated interiors, allowing year-round travel across the mountainous terrain.
USBRL: A Game-Changer for Connectivity
The USBRL project, spanning 272 km and costing approximately Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges, including the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River. This massive engineering feat offers all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, boosting economic integration and regional development.
