Train to Srinagar Finally Arrives to Link Kashmir on Rail Map
Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Train (Image credit Railways)
PM Modi and J&K CM Omar Abdullah Hail Landmark Rail Link Launch to Srinagar
By AMIT KUMAR
NEW DELHI, June 5, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, marking a historic moment for the region.
PM Modi, in a post on X, highlighted the significance of June 6, 2025, as a “special day” for Jammu and Kashmir, with infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore set to be inaugurated.
The Prime minister emphasized the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, as extraordinary feats of engineering that will enhance connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
Additionally, Modi noted the launch of two Vande Bharat trains on the Katra-Srinagar route, which will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah, in a separate post on X, described the event as a “landmark day” for the valley, as it will finally be connected to the rest of India by rail.
He visited the Chenab Bridge to review arrangements for PM Modi’s visit, underscoring the bridge’s status as the tallest railway bridge globally.
Abdullah’s post reflected a collaborative spirit, acknowledging the infrastructure’s potential to transform regional connectivity.
Background to the Project and Vande Bharat Train Commissioning
The USBRL project, a 272-km rail link connecting Udhampur in Jammu to Baramulla in Kashmir, has been a monumental endeavour spanning over four decades. Initiated in the 1980s, the project faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain, seismic activity, and security concerns.
The Chenab Bridge, located between Kauri and Bakkal in Reasi district, is a critical component. It stands 359 meters above the Chenab River and recognized as the highest rail bridge worldwide.
Its construction, completed at a cost of ₹14,860 crore, involved overcoming significant engineering and logistical hurdles. The Railways carried out constructions in a major seismic zone while ensuring the structure could withstand high-intensity blasts and extreme weather conditions.
The project gained momentum post-2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, with the Modi government prioritizing its completion. The final stretch, including the Katra-Sangaldan section, is set to be commissioned on June 6, 2025, fulfilling a long-standing promise to integrate Kashmir with the national rail network. This development is part of a broader infrastructure push in the region, aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth.
The Ministry of Railways announced the commissioning of two Vande Bharat trains on the Katra-Srinagar route, a significant milestone in modernizing rail travel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Vande Bharat, known for its semi-high-speed capabilities, will cover the 190-km distance in approximately three hours, with key halts at Reasi, Sangaldan, Banihal, Qazigund, Anantnag, and Avantipora.
The trains are expected to revolutionize travel, particularly for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and tourists exploring the Kashmir Valley. Ticket prices are estimated to range from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 for AC coaches, making it an accessible option for a broad spectrum of travellers.
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