The National Security Guard (NSG), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), conducted a Train Intervention Exercise at Katra Railway Station today. The drill, performed on a Vande Bharat Express, aimed to bolster coordination among security forces to counter potential terrorist threats, ensuring the safety of passengers on one of India’s modern semi-high-speed trains.

The exercise took place at a strategically significant location, as Katra serves as a major hub for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. With Indian Railways expanding its Vande Bharat services, including a new route connecting Katra to Srinagar set to commence operations in February 2025, the need for heightened security measures has become paramount. The Vande Bharat Express, known for its advanced technology and speed, is a critical part of India’s railway modernization efforts, making it a potential target for disruptive activities.

During the drill, NSG commandos, alongside J&K Police and RPF personnel, simulated various scenarios to test their preparedness and response mechanisms. The exercise focused on improving inter-agency cooperation, ensuring swift and effective action in the event of a terrorist-initiated incident. Katra’s role as a transit point for the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat service, which will require passengers to change trains at Katra due to security and health checks, further underscores the importance of such preparedness.

This initiative comes at a time when security concerns in the region are heightened, particularly along routes connecting the plains to the mountainous Kashmir Valley. The partnership between the NSG, J&K Police, and RPF highlights a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring passenger safety amidst the expansion of railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.