In a strategic move to enhance rail connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the 49th Vande Bharat Express train has been specifically assigned to serve the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. This development aims to improve transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the region significantly.
Highlighting this advancement, the Northern Railway successfully conducted a groundbreaking 15-kilometer trial run of an electric train last week. This marked the first-ever trial of its kind, covering the distance from Banihal to Khari Railway Station in the Ramban district. The successful trial demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of electric trains in the region.
Operating as a medium-distance train service under Indian Railways, the Vande Bharat Express is akin to the Shatabdi Express. These day train services connect cities in India that are less than 10 hours apart. While Vande Bharat trainsets can achieve semi-high speeds, speed restrictions, multiple stoppages, and traffic congestion impose limitations. The maximum permissible speed is capped at 160 km/h (99 mph) on the Delhi-Bhopal service section and 110–130 km/h (68–81 mph) on other routes.
During trials, these trains have showcased impressive speeds, reaching up to 183 km/h, surpassing the certified speed of 160 km/h. A notable feature of the Vande Bharat Express is its rapid acceleration and deceleration, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 52 seconds during trials. This unique characteristic contributes to the efficiency and agility of the Vande Bharat Express, promising enhanced rail services for the region.
