Jammu to Kashmir Vande Bharat Crosses Anji Khad Bridge, Tunnels on Scenic Route

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Inside Jammu’s New Vande Bharat Express: A Journey Through Tunnels, Bridges and Engineering Marvels

Jammu: Passengers aboard the newly launched Vande Bharat Express from Jammu are witnessing not just a train ride, but a remarkable journey through one of India’s most challenging railway engineering corridors. Running with 20 coaches, the new semi-high-speed train is being described as a major gift for the region, strengthening connectivity and showcasing the success of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

As the train speeds through the mountainous route, travellers experience a unique sequence of tunnels, bridges and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. During the journey, the train was seen emerging from a tunnel before crossing one of the most iconic structures on the route — India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.

The spectacular bridge has been constructed over the Anji Khad stream and is considered one of the engineering highlights of the USBRL project. The bridge, which had earlier drawn national attention during its construction phase, is now fully operational, with trains passing over it smoothly. The sight of the Vande Bharat Express gliding across the massive structure offers a striking symbol of modern railway progress in the mountains.

Soon after crossing the Anji Khad bridge, the train once again entered another tunnel, underlining the tunnel-dominated nature of the route. Railway officials and engineers have often noted that a major portion of the Katra-Banihal section passes through tunnels due to the difficult terrain of the Himalayas.

The route from Katra to Banihal is among the most technically demanding railway stretches in the country. Engineers had to overcome several geological challenges, including unstable rock formations, water seepage, and complex mountain structures. Much of the difficulty remained hidden beneath the Himalayan geology, making the successful completion of the corridor a significant national achievement.

Passengers on board also observed that some of the shorter tunnels on the route do not have escape tunnels, unlike the longer tunnels where advanced safety systems and parallel escape passages have been developed. This reflects the varying design requirements depending on tunnel length and terrain conditions.

The launch of the new 20-coach Vande Bharat marks another milestone in rail connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the first Vande Bharat service between Katra and Banihal had been inaugurated in June 2025. The latest expansion now introduces a longer, higher-capacity train, offering more seats and improved travel convenience for passengers.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally flagged off the newly introduced 20-coach service, highlighting the government’s focus on transforming transport infrastructure in the Union Territory. The new train is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and everyday commuting while reducing travel time significantly.

Passengers travelling in the train praised the smooth ride quality, modern interiors, and scenic views that include mountains, tunnels and landmark bridges. For many, the experience of travelling through the Anji Khad bridge and multiple tunnels has turned the journey into an attraction in itself.