Vande Bharat for Katra-Srinagar Route | 10 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, the Railway Board unveiled a Vande Bharat Express train, specially designed to operate seamlessly in the challenging winter conditions of Jammu & Kashmir, for the upcoming Katra-Srinagar rail route. 

 Key Points 

  • Climate-Specific Features: 
    • The Vande Bharat Express, stationed at Shakurbasti coaching depot in New Delhi, has been specially designed for Jammu & Kashmir's extreme winter conditions. 
    • It features advanced heating systems to prevent the freezing of water and bio-toilet tanks, ensure the vacuum system and laboratories remain warm, and optimize air-brake system functionality in sub-zero temperatures. 
  • Passenger Amenities: 
    • The train also includes all amenities found in existing Vande Bharat Express trains, such as fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, and mobile charging sockets. 
  • Symbol of Connectivity: 
    • The train connects the Kashmir Valley more effectively to the national railway network, symbolizing India's commitment to bridging geographical and economic gaps. 

 Vande Bharat Trains 

  • It is an indigenously designed and manufactured semi high speed, self-propelled train that is touted as the next major leap for the Indian Railways in terms of speed and passenger convenience since the introduction of Rajdhani trains. 
  • The first Vande Bharat was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai as part of the ‘Make in India’ programme, at a cost of about Rs. 100 crore. 
  • The Vande Bharat was India’s first attempt at adaptation of the train set technology compared with conventional systems of passenger coaches hauled by separate locomotives. 
  • The train set configuration, though complex, is faster, easier to maintain, consumes less energy, and has greater flexibility in train operation. 

 About Indian Railways 

  • It was established in 1853 and is one of the largest railway networks globally.  
  • The first train in India ran over a distance of 21 miles, connecting Bombay and Thane.  
  • India has the 3rd largest metro-rail network in the world after China and the US. By 2050, India is projected to account for 40% of the global rail activity.