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Hi-tech features to make Vande Bharat Express all-weather train in Kashmir

The train was first unveiled and showcased to media persons in New Delhi on January 8
01:31 AM Jan 20, 2025 IST | Saqib Maik
hi tech features to make vande bharat express all weather train in kashmir
Hi-tech features to make Vande Bharat Express all-weather train in Kashmir
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Srinagar, Jan 19: The 18-coach train, Vande Bharat Express, which completed its maiden trial run on the Katra-Budgam railway track of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on Sunday, is said to be a specially designed train.

The train was first unveiled and showcased to media persons in New Delhi on January 8

An official of Northern Railways, said the rail service operating to Kashmir, will have a heated filament, which works even under snow to prevent ice or frost from accumulating on glass.

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The official said the Vande Bharat Express, which will be operated between New Delhi and Kashmir, has been designed under the “Make in India” initiative of the central government.

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“This train has been designed keeping in view inclement weather, especially snowfall. The sub-zero temperatures witnessed in Kashmir have been taken into consideration while designing windshields and carrying out the plumbing work in coaches,” the official said, adding that the coaches of Vande Bharat that will connect the Valley, have been designed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.

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“An air-brake system that works smoothly in sub-zero temperatures and automatic plug doors and other climate-specific adaptation add-ons are a part of this train,” he added.

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He said silicon heating pads have been fitted inside the water tanks and bio-toilet tanks, adding that the first-of-its-kind plumbing work has been done on the coaches. The heating mechanism in sanitation tanks will also ensure a free flow of hot water to the coaches, the official further added.

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“The plumbing work from the water tank to dispensing areas has pipelines that are fully insulated. In addition, blowers in washroom areas have been provided in view of cold weather conditions,” the official said.

As far as the pilot windshield is concerned, the train for Kashmir will see triple-layer windshields on its driver's cabin will automatically defrost to ensure clear visibility in harsh winters.

Commenting on other heating measures, the official said the wiper system deployed in the train will dispense hot water to keep frost away from the driver’s windshield.

“Apart from the driver’s windshield, the rest of the coaches also have a double-coated windshield,” he added.

Explaining the safety and security aspect of the new train, the official said an Emergency Talk Back Unit (ETBU) has been installed in every coach of the Vande Bharat train to facilitate communication between passengers and the operator in case of an emergency.

“The rail industry has moved towards highly sensorised systems for asset management, including ultrasonic floor detectors, track recording cars, and oscillation monitoring systems. These systems provide real-time data on track conditions, enabling efficient management of the rail network.” the official added.

Pertinent to mention that the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) last week authorised the opening of the newly constructed 17 km long Katra-Reasi rail track for the public carriage of goods and passenger traffic.

With just a few days away from the first passenger train to reach Kashmir, the Valley will become part of a network of the Railways which transports 22 million passengers daily and carries 4.2 billion tons of freight. It operates 10,000 passenger trains, 3.5 lakh coaches, and deploys 15,000 locomotives.