Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project Nears Completion: A Milestone for Kashmir’s Connectivity

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th July 2024

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing connectivity in Kashmir, is approaching its final stages. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that the project is nearly complete, with only a 17-kilometer section—the T-1 tunnel between Katra and Reasi—remaining. Vaishnaw provided an update at a press conference in the union capital, stating that work on this critical section is progressing rapidly.

Currently, the Chenab Bridge and the rail line up to Sangaldan are fully operational. The section from Sangaldan to Reasi has also been completed and received the Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) certificate, signifying its readiness for use. This progress marks a significant achievement for Jammu and Kashmir, with Vaishnaw emphasizing that the long-anticipated project is on the verge of becoming a reality. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon inaugurate the project.

The financial backing for the USBRL project has seen a considerable increase, with an allocation of ₹3,694 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. This funding is approximately 3.5 times greater than the average allocation during 2009-2014, representing a 254% increase compared to previous years. This substantial boost underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the infrastructure in the region.

In addition to the USBRL project, several new rail initiatives are underway in Jammu and Kashmir. These include extending the rail line from Baramulla to Uri, constructing four new terminals, and developing four stations as Amrit Stations. Vaishnaw revealed that detailed project reports (DPRs) for these new projects are in progress, reflecting the continued focus on expanding and improving the region’s rail infrastructure.

A notable milestone was achieved last month with a successful trial run of the MEMU train on the newly electrified rail line. This trial, conducted at a speed of 40 kmph, marked the first full train to cross the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge. Standing at a height of 359 meters, the Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge, surpassing the Eiffel Tower by approximately 35 meters. The 1,315-meter-long bridge is a centerpiece of the USBRL project, symbolizing the integration of Kashmir into the Indian Railway network.

The USBRL project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, which will significantly enhance connectivity and reduce travel times between Jammu and Srinagar. Once finished, the journey time between these two major cities will be cut from 12 hours to just 6 hours, providing a more reliable and efficient transportation option for the people of Kashmir.

Since its inception, the USBRL project has seen several phases of development. Phase I, which included the 118-kilometer Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Subsequent phases included the 18-kilometer Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25-kilometer Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014. The completion of the USBRL project will be a milestone event, representing a major advancement in the region’s infrastructure and connectivity.

With the final touches being applied, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project is set to transform the landscape of Kashmir’s transportation network, paving the way for improved accessibility and economic growth in the region.