The Indian Railways has marked a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity and fostering services for the travelers. In a recent groundbreaking development, the special Vande Bharat train for Jammu and Kashmir has been launched with special features. This is Kashmir Valley’s first direct train, which is scheduled to commence this fiscal year.
Equipped with Special Heating Features
With its specialized heating features, the Vande Bharat Train is expected to operate within regions facing sub-zero temperatures. According to the Indian Railway Officials, the existing design of the chair car variant has been enhanced and modified to sleeper in this special train for Jammu and Kashmir.
The train will feature a special heating arrangement for plumbing and water tanks to ease the travelers in their journey. It has also embedded heating elements for the driver’s front lookout glass, alongside safety features for Kashmir-bound Vande Bharat trains.
“Driver Cab front look-out glass window has been specially designed with embedded heating features. These elements will keep the glass defrosted in sub-zero temperatures,” the railway official noted while noting it as a first development by the Indian Railways.
Air Dryer Mechanism in Brake System
Further, the brake system has also been equipped with the air dryer mechanism in order to ensure effective and smooth performance in the harsh winter region of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a crucial part for preventing moisture in the brake system caused by freezing. This is particularly important in sub-zero regions, as frozen moisture can impair the functionality of the brake, posing safety risks.
Silicon Heating Pads Fitted with Water Tanks
Additionally, the officials also revealed that the special Vande Bharat Train water tanks are fitted with silicone heating pads (1800 watts per water tank).
“Heating pads have been provided for bio retention tanks. There are also self-regulating heating cables for plumbing to avoid freezing of water,” the officials stated.
This has also been done to prevent freezing from moisture in the regions with sub-zero temperatures. As this can also cause blockages and malfunctions of the bio retention system. It is an essential feature for maintaining hygiene and sanitation on the train.
Heating Cables and Thermal Insulation in Water Distribution Systems
Moving ahead, the train’s water distribution system will also be equipped with heating cables and thermal insulation throughout. The Indian Railways have maintained a special standard temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in the air-conditioned trains.
Connectivity with Regions of Jammu and Kashmir
The special Vande Bharat sleeper train will connect New Delhi to Srinagar, covering approximately 800 km in less than 13 hours. The train will depart from New Delhi around 7:30 pm and arrive in Srinagar at 8:00 am the following day. It will also cover the in-between stops, including Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Sangaldan, and Banihal.
Route and Infrastructure
The train will use the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, which includes the world’s highest bridge over the Chenab River. The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is also part of this project; this route will significantly reduce the travel distance between Banihal and Qazigund. This means the travel time to Kashmir will be reduced from 20 hours to 13 hours, making it a less time-consuming and affordable option for travelers. This enhanced connectivity will also work to boost tourism in the region.
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