In a significant step toward enhancing connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the completion of the final track for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on Friday. The project, which aims to improve the region’s rail infrastructure, marks a milestone in India’s railway network development.
The last phase of the track, which connects the Katra and Reasi stations, includes the ballastless track work for a 3.2 km stretch of Tunnel T-33, located at the foothills of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Vaishnaw shared the news on social media, calling it a “historic milestone,” with the track construction successfully completed at 2:00 AM.
The USBRL project, which spans a total of 272 kilometers, is poised to transform the rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. The final stretch of the rail link, between Reasi and Katra, is expected to be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month, boosting regional transport.
Connecting Kashmir to the Nation: Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set to Launch
The completion of the final track brings the nation closer to the launch of direct Vande Bharat sleeper trains between Delhi and Srinagar in January 2025. The Vande Bharat Express, the third version of India’s high-speed trains, will offer a major convenience for travelers, cutting down the 800-kilometer journey between Delhi and Srinagar to under 13 hours.
Vaishnaw’s ministry is also planning to introduce an overnight train service, with the New Delhi-Srinagar route scheduled to depart at 7:00 PM and reach Srinagar by 8:00 AM the next morning. Key stations along the route will include Ambala, Ludhiana, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Sangaldan Banihal, providing passengers with convenient stops en route.
The newly completed track connects with the world’s tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, adding to the scenic beauty of the journey and improving the region’s accessibility. The USBRL project, which has already cost over ₹35,000 crore, will significantly reduce travel time while addressing logistical challenges and promoting economic growth in the region.
A History of Strategic Investment
The USBRL project has been in the works for decades, with its foundations laid during the tenure of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1995 at an estimated cost of ₹2,500 crore. The project gained momentum in 2002, when it was designated a national initiative by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The project has been completed in phases:
- 2009: The 118-kilometer Baramulla-Qazigund stretch was finished.
- 2013: The Banihal section was extended to reach the town of Banihal.
- 2014: The Udhampur-Katra segment was opened.
- 2023: The Banihal-Sangaldan section was launched.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, produced by BEML, is expected to transform travel between Delhi and Srinagar. The fast, comfortable, and efficient service will enhance tourism and foster greater economic cooperation between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
Looking Ahead
The completion of the USBRL’s final track not only marks a significant milestone in Indian rail history but also underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The much-awaited direct train service, along with improved regional connectivity, is expected to facilitate both business and tourism, boosting the local economy and integrating the region further into the national mainstream.
As the rail link’s inauguration nears, the region anticipates a brighter future of enhanced connectivity, greater economic opportunities, and improved quality of life for its residents.
Sources By Agencies