Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly anticipated visit to Jammu and Kashmir, initially scheduled for April 19, 2025, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. This decision comes as the region braces for heavy rainfall, as predicted by the Meteorological Department, which anticipates significant precipitation on April 18 and 19.
The postponement of the visit, which was set to include the inauguration of the first-ever Vande Bharat Express train service connecting Katra with Srinagar, was confirmed by a senior police official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The visit has been postponed given the weather prediction. No further comments," the official stated.
According to the Meteorological Department, while dry conditions were expected to persist in Jammu and Kashmir on April 15, light to moderate rain or thundershowers were forecasted to begin on April 16, with increased intensity expected on the critical dates of April 18 and 19. As such, the Prime Minister's plans to inaugurate the much-anticipated train service have been deferred, with new dates yet to be announced.
Sources indicate that the inauguration may now take place either at the end of April or the start of May 2025. Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized that the decision to defer the launch was made in light of the unfavorable weather forecast. "The next date for inauguration of the train is being worked out," he noted.
The Vande Bharat Express is poised to fulfill a long-cherished dream of connecting Kashmir with the Indian Railways network. On the planned inauguration day, two trains were to operate: one from Srinagar to Katra and another in the reverse direction. This service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just two hours and ten minutes, while the journey from Delhi to Srinagar will take approximately 13 hours.
On April 15, 2025, a successful trial run of the Vande Bharat train was conducted on the Katra-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL), marking a significant milestone in the completion of this 272-km railway line that connects Kashmir with the rest of the country. Over the past three months, the Railways have conducted eight trials on various segments of the Katra-Kashmir track, including major engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, which is recognized as the highest railway bridge in the world.
The Chenab Bridge stretches 1,315 meters across the Chenab River and features a main arch span of 467 meters, designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 266 km/h. This remarkable structure surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower and is nearly five times taller than the Qutub Minar from the riverbed to the rail level.
The USBRL project, which aims to establish seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, has faced numerous challenges since its inception in 1997 due to the region's complex geological and geographical conditions. Out of the total 272-km project, 209 km has been commissioned in phases. The first phase, the 118-km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was commissioned in October 2009, followed by various segments completed over the years.
In addition to the Chenab Bridge, the Katra-Sangaldan section includes India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge and the country’s longest railway tunnel at 12.75 km on the Katra-Banihal stretch. Another significant feature is the 11-km Pir Panjal tunnel, which connects Banihal in Jammu with Qazigund in Kashmir.
Once operational, the Vande Bharat Express will not only enhance connectivity but also provide modern amenities to passengers. The train is equipped with advanced safety features, including surveillance cameras along the track, particularly in tunnels and bridges. It is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, incorporating a special defrosting mechanism to prevent frost buildup on the windshield and an optimized air-brake system for sub-zero temperatures.
The successful trial run on April 15 serves as a testament to the progress made in this ambitious project, which aims to bring the scenic beauty of Kashmir closer to the rest of India.
As the region awaits the rescheduled visit of Prime Minister Modi, officials are optimistic about the future of rail travel in Kashmir. The completion of the USBRL project is seen as a transformative step towards integrating the valley into the national transportation network, fostering economic growth and tourism.
The Prime Minister's visit will be crucial not only for the inauguration of the train service but also for addressing the broader implications of improved connectivity for the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
While the postponement is disappointing for many, it highlights the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. As the situation develops, stakeholders remain hopeful that the new inauguration date will soon be confirmed, allowing the long-awaited train service to become a reality.
