Jammu, Apr 30 — A 21-member security detail, including Railway Protection Force commandos (CORAS), has been deployed to guard the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, alongside a multi-layered security grid across the 327-kilometre rail corridor, officials said on Thursday.
The service was flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with regular operations scheduled to begin from May 2.
“Today is the start of this service from Jammu. Its regular service will begin from May 2,” said Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Railway Protection Force. “A comprehensive security grid has been put in place to protect the railway line as well as the Vande Bharat train.”
He said a “one plus twenty” deployment model has been adopted, with an inspector leading a 20-member team that includes eight RPF commandos equipped with advanced weapons.
Railways will also run a pilot vehicle ahead of the train to scan the route. “It will move in advance in the morning and address any shortcomings along the route,” Gangwar said.
Security posts have been established at intervals of two kilometres, manned by quick reaction teams comprising Government Railway Police and civil police personnel. “On receiving any information, they will immediately secure the affected area,” he said.
For tunnel security, a dedicated control system has been introduced with sensors to detect fire or intrusion. “Both ends of the tunnels are guarded, and alarms are triggered in case of any unusual activity,” the official said, adding that escape tunnels have been provided for evacuation during emergencies.
The 327-km Jammu–Katra–Srinagar–Baramulla line, built at a cost of about ₹43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. The project ensures all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
RPF commandos, known as CORAS (Commandos for Railway Security), were deployed last year for Vande Bharat services on the Katra–Srinagar section.