In a truly heartwarming and unique celebration, a couple from Varanasi, Rakesh and Neha Jaiswal, chose Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat Express to mark their son Moksh’s sixth birthday. The joyous occasion unfolded on the inaugural journey of the high-speed train, making it a memorable event not just for the family, but also a poignant symbol of connectivity and progress in the region.
The Jaiswals, hailing from the sacred city of Varanasi, expressed immense joy and gratitude, stating that this distinctive birthday celebration was the “best gift” they could give their son. A video shared widely shows young Moksh cutting his birthday cake amidst the cheerful applause of his parents and fellow passengers, as the Vande Bharat Express glided over the newly inaugurated Anji Khad Bridge – India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, a significant engineering marvel.
“It was a coincidence that it was our son’s birthday on the very day Prime Minister Modi was flagging off this train,” shared Rakesh Jaiswal, visibly thrilled. “We thought we should celebrate our son’s birthday on the first journey of this train so that his birthday becomes truly memorable for him.” His wife, Neha Jaiswal, echoed his sentiments, adding, “This is the best gift for our son. We made this plan because of PM Modi.”
The celebration took place on June 6, 2025, a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the first Vande Bharat Express service in the region. This launch marked the completion of the ambitious 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, finally connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail for the first time. The Vande Bharat Express now operates between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, drastically reducing travel time and offering a comfortable and efficient mode of transport.
The new Vande Bharat trains are specifically engineered to withstand the challenging Himalayan winter conditions, featuring advanced heating systems, heated windscreens for clear visibility in sub-zero temperatures, and thermally insulated lavatories, ensuring year-round operational efficiency. The route traverses some of India’s most impressive engineering feats, including the Anji Khad Bridge and the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing taller than the Eiffel Tower.
This unique birthday celebration aboard the Vande Bharat Express underscores the profound impact of improved infrastructure on the lives of ordinary citizens and the broader narrative of development in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s a testament to how these advancements are not just about connectivity, but also about creating new opportunities for joy, tourism, and a deeper integration of the region with the national fabric. The Jaiswal family’s experience serves as a heartwarming anecdote amidst the larger story of progress unfolding in the picturesque valley.