Prime Minister inaugurates Kashmir Rail Link with Vande Bharat Express

Banihal (J&K): In a landmark event for India’s infrastructure and regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the much-awaited Srinagar–Jammu–Delhi rail link, marking the first direct train service to the Kashmir Valley. The Vande Bharat Express, connecting  Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Baramulla, was flagged off from Katra in Jammu’s Udhampur district, heralding a new era of development for Jammu & Kashmir. Regular operations of the high-speed train will commence on June 7, significantly reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just three hours, compared to the 6–7 hours by road.

The inauguration, attended by Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also saw the dedication of the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge—standing 359 meters above the Chenab River.

The Prime Minister also inspected the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, en route to Katra.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi described the rail link as “a symbol of hope, development, and national integration,” emphasizing its role in boosting tourism, trade, and employment in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This is a historic moment for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore inaugurated today will transform lives and bring Kashmir closer to the rest of India,” he said in a post on X.

The USBRL project, costing over ₹41,000 crore, has overcome  geological and meteorological challenges since its inception in 1997, with key sections commissioned progressively since 2009.

The Chenab Bridge, built at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h and has a lifespan of 120 years.

The 1,315-meter-long structure, 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, is a cornerstone of the USBRL project, which includes 943 bridges and 36 main tunnels, navigating the challenging Himalayan terrain.

The Anji Khad Bridge, towering 331 meters above the riverbed, further showcases India’s engineering capabilities.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the rail link as a “landmark day,” noting its potential to enhance connectivity, create jobs, and boost tourism, particularly for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and the Amarnath Yatra.

“I have been waiting for this moment since my school days. This rail project will ensure all-weather connectivity and strengthen Jammu’s economy,” he said, addressing concerns that the rail link might negatively impact Jammu’s trade.

The Vande Bharat Express, equipped with anti-freezing technology to operate in Kashmir’s sub-zero temperatures, will run two daily pairs between Katra and Srinagar, with bookings already open on the IRCTC platform. The rail link is expected to facilitate smoother travel, especially during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra (July 3–August 9), amidst forecasts of a heavy monsoon disrupting road travel.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh called the inauguration a “proud symbol of New India’s strength and vision,” while the J&K BJP unit described it as a “precious Eid gift” for the region.

However, the Congress party noted the project’s long history, crediting its initiation under previous governments and emphasizing governance continuity. The project, conceptualized in 1983 and declared a national project in 2002, has been commissioned in phases, with the final 17-km Katra-Reasi section completed in December 2024.