Indian Railways introduce first electric train in Jammu and Kashmir on Banihal-Baramulla route
Kashmir's first electric train
To safeguard the environment in the Kashmir Valley, Indian Railways is introducing the first electric train for the Kashmir region. The first electric train on the Banihal-Baramulla corridor will start next month. The electric train will ply on the 137 km Banihal-Baramulla corridor in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian railways have carried out multiple trials on the Budgam-Baramulla rail link and Banihal-Baramulla rail link as well. The government is planning to start the first electric rail on October 2. The total project cost for the electric rail link has been 324 crores.
''This electric train has two sections, the Budgam-Baramulla rail link trials had taken place earlier this year and now we did the trials for the Budgam-Banihal section on 24,25 and 26th September. We also got the security/safety inspection done by the principal chief electrical engineer, Northern Railways. It was done for three days, and we are fit for running the first electric train in this section,'' said Abid Amin Shah, additional general manager, IRCON.
Also read |J&K Police use drones with high-resolution cameras to keep 24/7 vigil across Srinagar city
Indian Railways have been pushing for pollution-free railways and in Kashmir, work is going on to convert all the trains running on fuel to electric. These electric trains are also cost-effective as they are going to bring down operational costs by over 60 per cent.
''This train has less operational costs, we were running the trains on diesel earlier. An electrical train will bring 60 per cent cost saving on fuel. The diesel locomotives are being phased out across the country and most trains will run on electricity. The running time will also be reduced, as its speed is more than diesel trains. It's the mission of the Government of India to make railways pollution free. There will be zero pollution with the introduction of these electric trains. And especially with regard to Kashmir valley, it's a great thing,'' said Abid Amin Shah, additional general manager, IRCON.
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin detained over 'double-meaning' Trisha remark in Vijay's Tamil Nadu
)
22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
Trump, Putin kissing in Amsterdam? Pride parade’s ‘couple’ goes viral | WATCH
)
'Crass, cheap and deeply derogatory:' Internet slams Udhayanidhi Stalin over his 'double-meaning' remark on Trisha
)
Pakistan minister admits ‘system has collapsed’, Munir pushes for more provinces | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Bombay High Court canteens inspected after judges question Maharashtra FDA's 'selective' crackdown
)
WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and skipper Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand on Day 2
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Multiple WhatsApp accounts, including in India, are under review for 24 hours. Here’s why
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
)
PM Modi expected to visit Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as India firms up Central Asia ties
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC T20I rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
'He is courageous leader': DK Shivakumar after TN CM Vijay postpone his Cauvery-related Karnataka visit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Tamil Nadu leader Udhayanidhi Stalin draws severe backlash over derogatory remark against Trisha
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Wipro's margins fall to 15-quarter low as AI investment eats into profit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
Since the operational costs of the railways will come down, the passengers will also get benefitted. The electric trains will be faster and will save the passengers a lot of time.
Watch WION's live TV here:
