In a historic moment for India’s infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated Kashmir’s first all weather rail link, officially completing the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Community Hopes and Engineering Masterpieces The 272 kilometer rail corridor connects the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network, ensuring seamless, year round connectivity between Delhi and Srinagar via Katra. Marking the occasion, PM Modi shared on social media platform X, “Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on people’s lives.” He further noted the engineering feat of the Anji Bridge, calling it “India’s first cable stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging.” For many residents, the event marks the realization of a long-awaited dream. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since I was in the 7th or 8th grade. Now, even my children have started working after completing school and college. But better late than never,” said Mr. Abdullah. The USBRL project is a showcase of modern engineering in one of the world's most geologically and topographically complex regions. Two standout structures exemplify the scale and ambition of the project: Chenab Bridge: Now the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River taller than the Eiffel Tower and spans 1,315 meters. It is designed to withstand earthquakes and wind speeds of up to 266 km/h. Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable stayed railway bridge, the Anji Bridge traverses difficult terrain and further enhances the safety and reliability of the network. Spanning 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, the USBRL crosses 119 kilometers of tunnels alone, navigating the rugged Himalayan landscape with precision. The railway is built to endure extreme weather, operating efficiently even in temperatures as low as -20°C.
High-Speed Connectivity As part of the inauguration, two specially designed Vande Bharat Express trains were launched between Katra and Srinagar. These advanced trains cut travel time from 6–7 hours to under 3 hours and are equipped to function in severe winter conditions, providing all-weather service to the region.
Strategic and Socio-Economic Significance The completion of the USBRL project is expected to be a catalyst for regional development. It will significantly boost tourism, enhance economic opportunities, and strengthen strategic logistics in Jammu and Kashmir. The project, with an investment of 46, 000 crore, represents a major leap toward the deeper integration of the region with the rest of India. This milestone is not only a triumph of engineering but also a symbol of hope, progress, and unity, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the socio-economic transformation of the Kashmir Valley.