Historic Milestone Achieved: Final Track Work On Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Completed -

Historic Milestone Achieved: Final Track Work on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Completed

Srinagar: The long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has achieved a historic milestone with the completion of its final track work, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Friday. This ambitious project, which aims to revolutionize connectivity in the Kashmir Valley, is now one step closer to operational readiness.

Taking to the social media platform X, Vaishnaw celebrated the accomplishment, describing it as a “historic milestone.” He revealed that the ballastless track work for the 3.2-kilometre-long Tunnel T-33, located near the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and connecting Katra to Reasi, was completed in the early hours of Friday.

Major Sections Near Completion

Officials confirmed that with the successful completion of Tunnel T-33, the 17-kilometre stretch between Katra and Reasi is now finished. “Inspections and trial runs are expected to begin shortly, and the first train connecting Kashmir to Delhi is anticipated to start operations within four months, likely by March or April next year,” an official stated.

This train service will be operated by the third version of the Vande Bharat Express, which features sleeper coaches. The new train is expected to reduce the travel time for the 800-kilometre journey between Delhi and Srinagar to under 13 hours, offering a swift and comfortable travel option for passengers.

Engineering Marvels: Chenab Bridge and Tunnels

The USBRL project has overcome significant engineering challenges, including rugged Himalayan terrain and extreme geological conditions. The newly completed 46-kilometre route from Sangaldan to Reasi includes the world-renowned Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge on the planet.

Spanning 1,315 metres with an arch span of 467 metres, the Chenab Bridge towers 359 metres above the riverbed, making it a true marvel of modern engineering. Along with the Anji Khad Bridge and the country’s longest transportation tunnel—Tunnel T-49 at 12.75 kilometres—the project showcases India’s advancements in infrastructure development.

Progress on Other Sections

Earlier this year, the Banihal-Sangaldan section of the USBRL project, spanning 48.1 kilometres, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 272-kilometre USBRL project, sanctioned in 1994-95, involves the construction of 38 tunnels and 927 bridges, with a combined tunnel length of 119 kilometres and bridge length of 13 kilometres.

Transforming Connectivity in the Region

Once fully operational, the USBRL project will provide seamless rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. This is expected to boost economic growth, tourism, and accessibility in the region while also strengthening national integration.

As inspections and trial runs commence, the dream of a direct train link to the Kashmir Valley is inching closer to reality. The iconic rail project not only marks a significant engineering achievement but also promises to bring transformative change to the region’s socio-economic landscape.

Author Profile

Geo National

Hi, I am Sajjad Rehman, the Chief Editor of Geo National News. With over 4 years of experience in news content writing, I have honed my skills in delivering accurate, engaging, and timely news. As a passionate writer, I am dedicated to creating content that informs, educates, and keeps readers updated on current events. My journey in the world of journalism continues to inspire me to craft compelling narratives and bring news stories to life.