NEW DELHI: The commissioning of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has transformed connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, providing an all-weather route that is significantly boosting the region’s economy and tourism, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Replying to questions in the Upper House, Vaishnaw highlighted how the landmark project has revolutionized access to national markets for local producers. The faster transportation network is breathing new life into the trade of Kashmir’s signature products, including apples, dry fruits, pashmina shawls, and traditional handicrafts.
Overcoming the Himalayas
The Minister described the USBRL as one of independent India’s most challenging infrastructure projects, conquering the geologically complex and fragile Himalayan terrain. The corridor boasts monumental engineering feats:
-
The Chenab Bridge: The world’s highest railway bridge located in Reasi district, standing 359 metres above the riverbed. It stretches 1,315 metres with a massive arch span of 467 metres.
-
The Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, featuring an asymmetrical 473-metre-long span supported by a 193-metre-high inverted Y-shaped pylon.
Beyond the railway tracks, the massive infrastructure push has also gifted the local population approximately 215 km of new approach roads, multiple tunnels, and over 320 bridges. With the entire broad-gauge line fully electrified, travel time between Katra and Srinagar has been slashed to just around three hours.
Future Expansion and Logistics
Detailing the roadmap for future rail expansion, Vaishnaw announced that surveys and planning are already in motion for several new projects:
-
Final Location Survey sanctioned for the proposed 190-km Jammu/Reasi-Poonch railway line.
-
Surveys underway for an additional line between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
-
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for a proposed third railway line connecting Jalandhar Cantt. and Jammu Tawi.
To streamline freight movement and logistics, a Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) has been commissioned in Samba district. In-principle approvals have also been granted for three more terminals in Kathua, Anantnag, and Jammu districts.
Station Redevelopment and Safety Upgrades
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, four key stations in the Union Territory—Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra—are undergoing comprehensive redevelopment.
On the safety front, the government has rapidly upgraded the signalling infrastructure. Vaishnaw confirmed the deployment of electronic interlocking systems and the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection system, which has been sanctioned over approximately 401 route kilometres in J&K.
Currently, the region is served by four pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, with a new Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Badgam Express slated for introduction to further enhance connectivity within the Valley.
