Jammu & Kashmir: Friday became a historic day in the history of India when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express train from Katra to Srinagar. The occasion not only marked the beginning of the first direct train service between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region but also the operationalization of India's longest transport tunnel - the T-50 tunnel.
This train service crosses the mighty hills of the Himalayas and enters one of the most difficult terrains in the country, which was not only technically challenging but also strategically important.
Vande Bharat passed through India's longest tunnel
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared a video from inside the Vande Bharat train, in which the train was seen passing through the 12.77 km long T-50 tunnel. The tunnel, situated between Khari and Sumbar, has now been officially recognized as the longest transport tunnel in India.
In addition to the T-50, this railway route also features the T-80 tunnel, stretching 11.22 km between Banihal and Qazigund, commonly known as the Pir Panjal Tunnel.
Kashmir rail connection came true due to Modi's resolve
The Railway Minister said on this occasion that for decades it was the country's dream to connect Kashmir with the railway line, but this task was extremely difficult. Despite high mountains, deep valleys, harsh weather, and challenging geography, India achieved this goal with technology and patience by adopting nature instead of confronting it.
He said that "It is the result of Prime Minister Modi's determination and leadership that today Kashmir is hearing the whistle of Vande Bharat."
Chenab and Anji bridges became an example of engineering
The two major bridges inaugurated by Modi - Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge - are examples of not only railway engineering but also world-class construction capability. The Railway Minister said that the 359-meter-high Chenab Bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower and it is the world's tallest arch railway bridge.
T-50 (J&K) the longest transportation tunnel of India.
?12.77 km pic.twitter.com/gPbabcPTBR
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 6, 2025Train will run 97 km in tunnels and 7 km on bridges
Out of the 111 km long railway section from Katra to Banihal, the train will pass 97 km through tunnels and 7 km through bridges. This entire project started rapidly after 2014, and today this dream has come true due to the hard work of engineers, technicians, and laborers.
Jammu Railway Station is also getting a new look
The Railway Minister informed that Jammu Railway Station is also being modernized and three new platforms will be ready by September 2025. After this, the Vande Bharat train will run directly from Jammu instead of Katra.
India towards development, unity and new direction
This journey of Vande Bharat will not only erase the geographical distances of Jammu and Kashmir but will also open new avenues of economic, social, and tourism. It has become a vibrant symbol of national unity, technological advancement, and the visionary development leadership of the Prime Minister.
