Historic Moment: Kashmir Connected by Rail as PM Modi Inaugurates USBRL & Vande Bharat 🚄🚆
A Dream Fulfilled After Five Decades👨👦
Peer Jalaludin, son of a former legislator from Baramulla, witnessed a dream come true as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar. His father had raised the need for railway connectivity in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly between 1965-1971—a vision finally realized in 2025.
Transforming Himalayan Connectivity🏔️
This 272-kilometre mega project, declared a national project in 2002, features 36 tunnels, 943 bridges, and the engineering marvel—the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Bipartisan Praise Across the Region🗣️
Political leaders including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti hailed the development. "A landmark day," said Omar, while Mehbooba called it a "long-awaited step" that enhances commuter ease and connectivity.
Boosting the Local Economy🍒
The railway link is set to boost Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, especially its fruit industry—a sector contributing 8% to the UT’s GDP. The first freight shipment of 24 tonnes of fresh cherries reached Mumbai in just 33 hours, compared to a week via road transport.
Lower Costs & Faster Freight🚚
Dilip Kumar from the Railway Board stated that Indian Railways plans to use this corridor to transport Kashmiri fruits, vegetables, handlooms, and handicrafts. Transportation costs are projected to drop by 75%, with increased freight train frequencies on the cards.
Journey Through Time: Two-Decade Project🛤️
- Jammu-Udhampur (55 km) 🛤️– Operational since April 2005
- Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) – Phased launch between 2008-2009
- Banihal-Qazigund with the 11.2-km Pir Panjal Tunnel 🛤️– Opened June 2013
- Udhampur-Katra🛤️– Inaugurated in 2014
- Banihal-Sangaldan (48 km)🛤️ – Opened in February 2024
Two Vande Bharat Trains to Operate Daily🚄
Starting Saturday, two Vande Bharat trains will operate between Katra and Srinagar. Plans are underway to extend these to Jammu and Baramulla, based on demand and passenger feedback.
Emotional Passengers Praise the Achievement💬
"Passengers couldn't hide their emotions," said Shabir Ahmad, a government officer aboard the inaugural train. Many credited the nation’s leadership for delivering on a promise against great odds.
Conclusion📍
This historic railway milestone is more than steel and tracks—it's a symbol of unity, progress, and a long-overdue link that brings Kashmir closer to the rest of India. 🇮🇳
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