As Vande Bharat Express Launch Nears, Security Forces Go On High Alert
Katra, Jammu & Kashmir | June 5, 2025 — Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visit to Katra on June 6, where he will inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar, the Union Territory has been placed under high security cover. A comprehensive multi-agency operation is underway to ensure safety, with tight surveillance, force deployment, and drone monitoring across sensitive zones.
“We’re leaving nothing to chance. Every asset, every eye, and every checkpoint will be alert,” said a senior security official in Jammu.
Ground Situation: What’s Happening on the Security Front?
Intelligence-Based Preparation
Multiple intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and Jammu & Kashmir CID, have coordinated with local police to monitor real-time threat levels.
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SIA & NIA units conducting surveillance in Udhampur, Reasi, and Rajouri.
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Enhanced mobile interception and social media tracking to counter radical propaganda.
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Underground security scans of railway stations and religious hubs in Katra and Jammu.
“Any attempt to disrupt peace during this historic moment will be dealt with decisively,” said an IB analyst stationed in Srinagar.
Deployment Details: A Multi-Layered Security Grid
Central Armed Forces, Local Police, and Elite Units on Ground
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Over 8,000 security personnel have been deployed, including CRPF, J&K Police, BSF, and NSG.
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Black Cat commandos to provide Z+ security cover for the Prime Minister.
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Perimeter lockdowns around major gathering points and railway junctions.
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Railway Protection Force (RPF) units intensively patrolling all stations along the Katra-Srinagar line.
Aerial Surveillance & Drone Deployment
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Surveillance drones flying over Banihal Tunnel, Chenab Rail Bridge, and Katra railway zone.
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Helicopter units on standby for emergency evacuation or rapid deployment.
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Real-time command centers monitoring drone feeds and CCTV inputs across high-risk areas.
Public Advisories & Traffic Restrictions
Key Movement Regulations in Place
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Temporary traffic curbs on NH-44 between Udhampur and Katra from midnight June 5 until 2 PM on June 6.
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Local residents advised to carry valid ID cards at all times.
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Drone flying restricted in civilian areas under the Aircraft Rules Act.
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Tourists and yatris visiting Vaishno Devi may experience delays due to frisking and barricades.
“We request citizens to cooperate for a historic and safe occasion,” said SSP Reasi, Mohan Lal.
Recent Threat Landscape in J&K: Why the Caution?
The Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which killed three tourists and injured nine others, sharpened security concerns ahead of high-profile visits and public events. Intelligence agencies have warned of increased attempts by cross-border elements to disrupt peace in the region.
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Foiled IED attempt in Pulwama last week
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Recovery of weapons cache near Rajouri
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Online threats traced to banned organizations
“High-value events are likely targets. We must anticipate, not react,” said retired DGP K. Rajendra.
Security Around the Vande Bharat Route
Rail-Specific Measures
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Every bridge along the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link, especially Chenab and Anji Khad, is under constant drone patrol.
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Sniffer dogs and bomb squads have conducted multi-point sanitization of coaches and stations.
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All passenger baggage to be screened at entry points in Katra and Srinagar.
Who’s Coordinating the Operation?
Unified Command Structure in Action
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Union Ministry of Home Affairs coordinating with J&K administration.
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Daily review meetings between National Security Advisor, Railway Ministry, and Prime Minister’s Special Protection Group (SPG).
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Real-time intelligence sharing between civil and military agencies.
“Such joint operations exemplify the New Kashmir vision — secure, efficient, integrated,” said a top Home Ministry official.
Public Reaction & Mood on the Ground
Despite the tightened security, public sentiment in Katra and surrounding areas remains positive and hopeful. Locals believe this visit and train inauguration marks a new phase of development and stability in the region.
“We’re used to checkpoints, but this time it feels like something truly big is about to happen,” said Lata Devi, a shopkeeper near Vaishno Devi Bhawan.
The Significance of PM Modi’s Visit
What This Symbolizes for Kashmir
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Marks the first high-speed train integration of the Valley with the rest of India.
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Seen as part of the larger vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
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A strong political message of peace, unity, and economic renewal.
Bottom-Line: Safety First, Progress Next
As Prime Minister Modi gears up to inaugurate a historic rail link, the message from the security apparatus is loud and clear: peace is non-negotiable. While tensions remain under the surface in parts of the region, strong governance, resilient citizens, and committed forces are working to ensure that development doesn’t derail under the weight of insecurity.
