Masarat Peerzada 22 November 2023:
In a remarkable development, the Udhampur-Baramulla rail link project is on the cusp of completion, bringing the prospect of the first-ever direct train service between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. Progressing at an impressive pace, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL) project has exceeded 95% completion, promising to reduce travel time between Srinagar and Jammu to just 3.5 hours, down from the current six hours.
This visionary project holds the potential to significantly bolster the regional economy. With a focus on efficient transportation, the direct train service is expected to facilitate the movement of goods, particularly horticultural products like apples and other agricultural items from Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, the USBRL project features the construction of 38 tunnels covering a total length of 119 km, including the country’s longest transportation tunnel, T-49, stretching an impressive 12.75 km.
Vinod Kumar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Railways, expressed confidence in meeting the scheduled deadline for project completion, targeting December 2023 or January 2024. The extensive infrastructure includes 927 bridges, among them the iconic Chenab Bridge, acclaimed as the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge, towering 359 meters above the Chenab River.
In a forward-looking approach to connectivity, the government plans to launch the eagerly awaited Vande Bharat Metro train service between Jammu and Srinagar. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the establishment of a Vande Bharat Express train maintenance facility in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. This high-speed service is poised to commence operations upon the completion of the rail network.
Aligned with the broader vision, the Indian Railways aims to introduce three additional state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express trains in Jammu and Kashmir during the fiscal year 2023-24. Although the launch date remains unspecified, these trains are expected to operate once the railway lines in both regions are electrified.
As the project nears completion, with initial utilization of existing stations, officials have hinted at the possibility of establishing additional stations if the need arises. With over 36 railway stations in Jammu and Kashmir, including key locations such as Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag, and Banihal, the network is poised to transform regional travel dynamics.
The USBRL project stands as a testament to overcoming geographical challenges and marks a historic moment in bridging the gap between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. The imminent direct train service is set to redefine travel dynamics, ushering in new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region.
