Contributed by Nitin Saxena
The Vande Bharat Express is indeed expected to significantly boost Kashmir tourism, and recent developments confirm this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated two Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra and Srinagar, marking a monumental step in Kashmir’s connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge – Chenab Bridge – in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi on Friday and also flagged off two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains in a major infrastructure push in the region.
The trains will run on the Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar route with intermediate stops at Banihal, according to the officials.
Here’s how the Vande Bharat Express trains are poised to enhance Kashmir’s tourism sector:
Diversification of Tourism: Beyond traditional leisure tourism, the improved rail link can also boost spiritual tourism, especially for pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, as it provides a seamless connection to the Kashmir Valley.
In essence, the Vande Bharat Express, as part of the larger USBRL project, is seen as a game-changer for Kashmir’s tourism, promising to unlock its full potential as a premier tourist destination by offering a reliable, comfortable, and scenic travel option.
Reduces travel time: The Vande Bharat trains significantly reduce travel time between Katra (a gateway for Vaishno Devi pilgrims) and Srinagar, from 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. This improved connectivity makes Kashmir more accessible to tourists throughout the year, especially during winter months when road travel can be disrupted by weather.
All-Weather Connectivity: The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, of which the Vande Bharat is a part, provides all-weather rail access to the Kashmir Valley. This is crucial as the existing Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is prone to disruptions due to ecological disasters. The Vande Bharat trains are also specially designed to withstand severe winter conditions, operating efficiently even at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, ensuring year-round service.
Offer a comfortable and modern travel experience: The Vande Bharat trains offer a comfortable and modern travel experience. The journey itself is a visual feast, passing through breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, deep valleys, and engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge (the world’s highest railway bridge) and the Anji Khad Bridge (India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge). This scenic route is an attraction in itself, making the train journey part of the tourist experience.
Economic Boost: Increased tourist footfall translates directly into a boost for the local economy. Sectors like hospitality, handicrafts, local businesses, and allied services will benefit from the influx of visitors, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for the local population. The rail service also facilitates easier transport of local produce and handicrafts to other parts of the country.
Increased Tourist Confidence: The improved connectivity and reliable transportation options offered by the Vande Bharat can help restore confidence in Kashmir as a safe and accessible tourist destination. This is particularly important for attracting both domestic and international travelers who might have previously hesitated due to perceived connectivity challenges or safety concerns.
