In a remarkable leap towards advancing connectivity and fostering economic growth, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project is on the brink of completion, poised to revolutionize travel and trade in the region.
The USBRL project, a feat of engineering brilliance, encompasses a 111-km-long Katra-Banihal rail line, with an impressive 95-96% of the work already completed, according to Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Northern Railway, Deepak Kumar. The railway line boasts an astounding 38 tunnels covering 119 km, with T-49 being the longest at 12.75 km, making it the country’s lengthiest transportation tunnel. Additionally, there are 927 bridges, including the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge, soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River.
The completion of the Udhampur-Baramulla rail link, part of the USBRL project, is poised to bring about transformative changes. Once operational, the direct train service between Jammu and Srinagar is expected to reduce travel time from six hours to a mere 3.5 hours, providing much-needed relief to commuters. Beyond passenger travel, the project is anticipated to boost the economy by facilitating the efficient transportation of goods, particularly horticulture items like apples and other agricultural products from Jammu and Kashmir.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a targeted completion date of December this year or early next year for the Udhampur-Banihal track, connecting Jammu with Srinagar. Vinod Kumar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Railways, affirms that the project is on schedule, with a potential inauguration in December 2023 or January 2024.
The government has unveiled plans for the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Metro train service between Jammu and Srinagar, further enhancing connectivity. A maintenance facility for the Vande Bharat Express train is slated for Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The Indian Railways also aims to introduce three additional state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express trains during FY 2023-24, designated for Jammu.
As the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line nears completion, it marks a milestone in India’s railway infrastructure, bringing the picturesque Kashmir Valley closer to the rest of the country. The project’s success not only promises improved travel experiences for passengers but also sets the stage for economic growth and enhanced trade opportunities, making it a testament to the transformative power of connectivity.
Authored By Mumtaz Awan
