Vande Bharat Completes Historic Trial Run Over World's Highest Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir

The specially designed train, built for harsh winter conditions, successfully crossed the Chenab Bridge as part of its first trial run in the region.

The Vande Bharat Express conducted its first trial run in Jammu and Kashmir, traveling from Katra to Srinagar and Budgam stations.
The train crossed the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, as well as the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Designed specifically for the region's extreme winters, the train includes advanced heating systems, defrosting windshields, and optimized air-brake functionality for sub-zero temperatures.
The trial run marks a significant milestone in the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley to India's broader rail network.
Commercial operations are expected to begin soon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated to flag off the inaugural journey, though the official date has not yet been announced.