Indian Railways Reaches New Heights: Trial Train Crosses World's Tallest Bridge

In a remarkable advancement for Indian Railways, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful completion of the first trial run of the Sangaldan-Reasi train. This trial marks a significant achievement as it includes crossing the world's tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. Vaishnaw stated, "1st trial train has successfully run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including crossing the Chenab Bridge."

He further noted, "All construction works for the USBRL are nearly finished, with tunnel No.1 remaining partially incomplete." The Chenab Bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir, stands taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. As the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project nears completion, Indian Railways is on the verge of connecting the Kashmir Valley to the broader railway network. The Chenab Bridge, a structural marvel, spans the gorge of the Chenab River in the Reasi district, standing 359 meters (approximately 1,180 feet) above the river, and is around 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.

Previously, the Ministry of Railways was recognized in the "Limca Book of Records" for "most people at a public-service event - multiple venues." This record was set on February 26, 2024, when the Railways Ministry organized an event attended by 4,019,516 people at 2,140 venues. The event marked the inauguration of road over/road under railway bridges and the laying of foundation stones for railway stations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mammoth effort and mobilization by Indian Railways earned this recognition in the prestigious Limca Book of World Records.

In another significant development, Ashwini Vaishnaw assumed charge as Minister of Railways for the second time under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on Tuesday morning in Delhi. In addition to the Railways Ministry, Vaishnaw has been assigned the portfolios of Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.

On a separate note, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Friday that India's first Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be operational within two months. Vaishnaw stated, "The completion work of the trainset of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is in full swing and the first train will be on track within two months. All technical works are in the last phase. The trainset is manufactured by BEML Ltd at its rail unit in Bangalore. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper version will provide easy mobility to commuters and offer various comforts in the near future with global standards."

He elaborated on the design and safety features, saying, "The car body structure is crafted with high-grade Austenitic stainless steel, featuring crashworthy elements integrated into the crash buffers and couplers. Complying with stringent safety standards, all materials and aggregates in the trainset adhere to the Fire standard requirements as per EN45545 HL3 grade."

Vaishnaw emphasized the comprehensive design approach for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains, stating, "The Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains designed by BEML prioritize both aesthetic appeal and functionality in their interiors, sleeper berths, and exteriors. From the front nose cone to interior panels, seats and berths, interior lights, couplers, gangways and beyond, every element is meticulously designed to meet the exacting standards of the sleeper trainset."

India's first semi-high-speed, indigenously built Vande Bharat trains have already transformed the passenger experience. Following the success of these modern trains, Indian Railways is now set to launch its indigenous high-speed trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper. Designed to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, the Vande Bharat sleeper train aims to provide a premium alternative to the current Rajdhani Express for long-distance travel.