The Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir has once again been delayed, dimming the hopes of thousands who have eagerly awaited its debut in the picturesque Himalayan region.
The train, which was scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19 from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station to Srinagar, is now postponed due to adverse weather forecasts issued for the Union Territory. This delay not only affects the inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, but also pushes back the unveiling of significant national infrastructure milestones, including the completion of the final section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River, and the Anji Khad Rail Bridge. Together, these projects are crucial components of India’s efforts to enhance rail-based mobility in sensitive and ecologically rich terrains while reinforcing sustainable, low-carbon connectivity in one of the country’s most isolated regions.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued yellow and orange alerts, predicting spells of rain and snow between April 19 and April 22 across parts of Jammu and Kashmir. With safety being paramount, PM Modi’s visit has been deferred. Two helipads had reportedly been readied near the newly completed engineering marvels—Chenab and Anji Khad bridges—underscoring the importance attached to the occasion. The prime minister was also scheduled to address a public meeting at Katra, which now seems unlikely in the face of worsening weather. The 272-kilometre USBRL project, which has taken nearly three decades to approach completion, represents more than just a transportation upgrade—it symbolises India’s push for integration, sustainability, and regional equity. Traversing rugged mountain ranges, seismic zones, and weather-sensitive areas, the line embodies one of the country’s most ambitious feats of rail engineering. Once operational, the Vande Bharat Express on this route will not only cut travel time but also offer an energy-efficient, modern alternative to road transport in the Valley.
This postponement has evoked mixed reactions from the public. While many Kashmiris expressed disappointment over yet another delay, there remains cautious optimism that the launch will take place before the end of April, as per informal indications. The larger sentiment echoes the need for better infrastructure access to bring long-term stability and inclusion to the region, especially in terms of economic opportunities and tourism. With every postponement, the emotional wait grows heavier, yet the faith in the transformative potential of the Vande Bharat Express and the USBRL remains unshaken. As railways continue to be the backbone of sustainable national growth, ensuring their safe and timely execution—especially in fragile geographies like Kashmir—is not just an infrastructural necessity, but a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive development. The revised dates for the launch are expected to be finalised once the weather conditions improve, and all necessary protocols are in place for the prime minister’s visit.
Kashmir left waiting for Vande Bharat
