Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Katra-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on April 19, 2025. This project will ensure rail connectivity from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, considered a major achievement for Indian Railways.
Train to Kashmir: The Indian Railways' dream of connecting Kashmir is now a reality. On April 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Katra-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, completing the rail link to Kashmir. Simultaneously, two Vande Bharat Express trains will embark on their maiden journeys to Kashmir, ushering in a new era of transportation in the region.
Significance of the USBRL Project:
The primary objective of the USBRL project is to significantly enhance connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. This project encompasses a 272-kilometer railway line, including a 119-kilometer-long tunnel and the world's highest railway arch bridge—the Chenab Bridge. This bridge establishes direct rail connectivity from Delhi to Kashmir. It will not only symbolize enhanced connectivity but also generate new employment and tourism opportunities for the region.
Vande Bharat Express's New Route
Coinciding with the inauguration on April 19th, the Vande Bharat Express will also commence operations to Kashmir. Dilip Kumar, an official from the Indian Railways Board, stated that two Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the inaugural day. One train will run from Srinagar to Katra, and the other from Katra to Srinagar. These trains will follow a unique route, traversing India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the world's highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge.
The Vande Bharat Express route will commence at Katra railway station, passing through Reasi, Sangaldan, Banihal, Qazigund, and Anantnag before reaching Srinagar. The route's design considers the cold climate of the Kashmir Valley to ensure a comfortable journey for passengers.
The Future of Railway Connectivity in Kashmir
The extension of rail connectivity to Kashmir will not only simplify regional travel but also boost tourism. Easy access to religious and tourist sites will open new avenues for development in the region. Dilip Kumar described this project as a significant initiative to enhance Kashmir's religious and tourism importance, potentially transforming Kashmir into a major rail hub in the future.
Highlights of the Coming Days:
• April 19, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Katra-Sangaldan section of the USBRL project.
• Vande Bharat Express: Two Vande Bharat Express trains will commence service between Srinagar and Katra.
• Connectivity: This rail link will serve as a powerful means of connecting Kashmir to Delhi and other parts of the country.
This historic initiative will not only expand Kashmir's rail network but also provide improved travel facilities for its citizens and tourists. April 19, 2025, will mark a new beginning for Kashmir as the Vande Bharat Express commences its journey to the region.
