Banihal, Nov 17: In a move aimed at improving connectivity with Kashmir, the New Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to start in January 2025.The train will cover a distance of 800 km in less than 13 hours.The semi-high speed train will depart from New Delhi at 7 pm and reach Srinagar at 8 am the next day. A trial train is currently being run between Sangaldan and Reasi.This section also has the highest bridge on the Chenab River from where a trial run of an electronic train has also been conducted.Engineers working here say that the Director Safety, Railways, inspected the track between Sangaldan and Reasi for the second time three days ago and reviewed the track and work from Reasi to Katra.They said that the issue of running a train between Sangaldan and Reasi had been postponed and now it had been decided to simultaneously run a train from Sangaldan to Katra.Engineers say that work is currently underway on Tunnel T33 and will be completed in about a month.Officials said, “The work will be completed on all 4 stations between Reasi and Katra by December 20, after which the Director Safety will observe a trial train run for 15 days till January 5.”According to officials, after January 5, the remaining work on this track would be completed. Officials of Northern Railway said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would probably dedicate the New Delhi-Baramulla railway line to the nation on January 26.Officials said that basically, trial train running will take place from January 5 and during this time a decision could also be made to run large passenger trains. Along with this, there will also be a trial run of electric trains.
