In a touching fusion of devotion, celebration and history, a family from Varanasi marked their son Moksh Jaiswal’s sixth birthday aboard the inaugural Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar on Saturday morning.
The joyous occasion followed their pilgrimage to the revered cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and coincided with the launch of the train and the inauguration of the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6.
The family, from Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of PM, planned Moksh’s birthday celebration to align with the train’s crossing of the Chenab Rail Bridge. As the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express chugged out of Katra at 8:10 am, passengers were visibly upbeat, their excitement palpable as the train wound through the mountain range.
The rail route showcased nature at its finest — rugged peaks, lush valleys and the glistening Chenab River below.
The journey’s highlights were the engineering marvels: the Chenab Rail Bridge, soaring 359 metres above the river and surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, which captivated travellers with its innovative design.
As the train crossed the Anji Khad Bridge — the Jaiswals prepared for the celebration, setting up a cake and candles.
Dressed in festive spirit, all three children, including Moksh, wore matching vibrant outfits, while Rakesh and Neha sported coordinated t-shirts. When the train reached the Chenab Rail Bridge, the family commenced the cake-cutting ceremony in their coach. Fellow passengers joined in, singing and wishing Moksh, creating a warm, communal moment.
Relishing their snacks on board, passengers couldn’t contain their admiration for the infrastructure. “The Chenab Bridge is unbelievable — it’s like we’re floating above the clouds!” exclaimed Anjali Gupta, a tourist from Lucknow.
Her co-passenger said, “The Anji Bridge’s cables look like a piece of art against the mountains. This journey is a dream come true.”
Rakesh Jaiswal, speaking to media persons, also shared his emotions: “After offering prayers at Vaishno Devi, we celebrated Moksh’s sixth birthday on this historic train, cutting the cake at the world’s highest railway bridge. It’s a divine and unforgettable moment, thanks to PM Modi’s vision for connectivity,” Neha added, “Mata’s blessings and this journey made Moksh’s birthday the best gift. We’re grateful to Modi for this opportunity.”
Passengers on the inaugural ride lauded the train’s comfort and speed. Priya Sharma, a pilgrim from Delhi, said, “After visiting Vaishno Devi, travelling on this train feels like a blessing. It’s fast, comfortable and the views are breathtaking.” The train, equipped with KAVACH anti-collision systems, anti-freezing technology and amenities like reclining seats and CCTV, is built for sub-zero Himalayan winters.
As the train traversed the 190-kilometre route in under three hours — a stark contrast to the six-to-seven-hour road journey — passengers erupted in slogans praising Prime Minister and Indian Railways.
“Modi ji ne Kashmir ko Kanyakumari se jod diya!” (Modi ji has connected Kashmir to Kanyakumari!) chanted a group of pilgrims, their voices echoing through the coach. “Indian Railways has made the impossible possible,” said Rajesh Kumar, a businessman from Jammu, adding, “This train bridges gaps — geographical, cultural and emotional. Kashmir feels closer to the rest of India now.”
For passengers, the journey was more than a commute — it was a celebration of India’s progress. Raghav, an adventure sports buff and mountaineer, headed to Srinagar for the first time, summed it up, “This is India’s future — fast, safe and united. Kashmir is no longer far away.”
The Vande Bharat Express, with its scenic route and engineering wonders, has not only bridged physical distances but also woven the Kashmir Valley closer to the heart of the nation.
Comprehensive safety measures, such as routine track checks and onboard security personnel, ensured passengers felt secure throughout the journey. “The train is so smooth, and the views are mesmerising. I feel completely safe,” said Randhir, visiting Srinagar for the first time with his family. The joyous arrival, however, was underscored by stringent security measures implemented in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, ensuring the safety of travellers on this historic journey.