A source of national pride, the long-awaited rail link to the Kashmir Valley is a reality
A project that faced numerous hurdles and challenges is now a reality. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has taken 27 years to complete, but the wait has been worth it. This project marks a new chapter in the history of the Valley, bringing it closer to the rest of the country.
The rail link will not only boost tourism and business in the region but also bring people closer together, fostering stronger connections and understanding.
To commemorate this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express service between Katra and Srinagar on April 19, 2025. The inauguration of this rail link marks a monumental achievement for Indian Railways and the nation, seamlessly integrating the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
The USBRL project was an ambitious undertaking and a significant engineering challenge, given the region’s tough terrain and harsh weather conditions. It stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and commitment to enhancing connectivity in difficult landscapes.
Initiated in 1997, the project aimed to establish a reliable railway connection to the Kashmir Valley, overcoming numerous geological and topographical obstacles. Its significance lies not only in its strategic importance but also in its potential to boost economic development and tourism in the region.
The Katra-Srinagar rail link is an engineering marvel, featuring the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge, which surpasses the Eiffel Tower in height. Built using innovative techniques, the bridge is designed to withstand extreme conditions. The project also includes USBRL Tunnel 50 (T-50), India’s longest transportation tunnel at 12.775 km, showcasing advanced tunneling methodologies to navigate the Himalayan terrain.
Additionally, nearly 97 per cent of the 111-km Katra-Banihal section consists of tunnels and bridges, highlighting the project’s complexity and the dedication of its engineers.
The USBRL project progressed in multiple phases over the years, with Phase I (Qazigund-Baramulla, 118 km) completed in 2009, followed by Phase II (Banihal-Qazigund, 18 km) in 2013. Phase III (Udhampur-Katra, 25 km) was completed in 2014, further extending the rail connectivity. The most challenging and final phase, Phase IV (Katra-Banihal, 111 km), was successfully completed in 2025, marking the culmination of this ambitious project.
After a successful trial run in 2024, the final phase, the most challenging, was completed in early 2025, marking the culmination of this historic project. Following its inauguration by the Prime Minister, the Vande Bharat Express service between Katra and Srinagar will commence on April 19, 2025. This state-of-the-art train will significantly reduce travel time, offering passengers a comfortable and efficient journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.
The completion of the Katra-Srinagar rail link is a crowning achievement for Indian Railways, symbolising the nation’s dedication to infrastructure development despite adversity. By connecting the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network, the USBRL project demonstrates that no challenge is insurmountable.
This all-weather rail link will serve as a lifeline for the valley, which is often cut off due to snowfall and adverse weather conditions. Since most of the Katra-Srinagar line runs underground, it ensures a smooth flow of transportation, enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Ultimately, this project will foster greater integration and prosperity for the region and the country as a whole.
