Delhi to Kashmir by Train: USBRL Set to Redefine Connectivity with January 2025 Launch
Delhi to Kashmir by Train: USBRL Set to Redefine Connectivity with January 2025 Launch
India’s engineering marvels set to redefine connectivity with the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
After years of anticipation, the first direct train from Delhi to Kashmir will commence operations in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. Officials confirmed that most of the construction work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has been completed, with the remaining work, including the iconic Tunnel T-33 and stations on the Reasi-Katra stretch, set to finish by December 2024.
Progress and Key Milestones
The rail link, spanning 63 kilometers from Sangaldan to Katra, will begin simultaneous operations, bypassing earlier plans for phased openings. Among its standout features is the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, celebrated as a symbol of engineering brilliance. The Chenab Bridge, towering 359 meters above the riverbed higher than the Eiffel Tower, is another marvel that showcases India’s advanced steel and concrete technology.
During his inspection, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu praised the project as a game-changer for the region, emphasizing its economic and strategic significance. “This project integrates Kashmir into the national railway network, boosting connectivity and competitiveness,” Bittu remarked.
Safety and Testing
Testing on the Katra-Kashmir railway track is expected to conclude by December, ensuring all safety protocols are in place before operations begin. The Anji Khad Bridge recently underwent a successful trial run, underscoring the project’s progress.
The USBRL project features 38 tunnels covering 119 kilometers and 927 bridges spanning 13 kilometers, including India’s longest transportation tunnel, T-49, stretching 12.75 kilometers. These features are testaments to the engineering and logistical efforts underpinning the project.
Impact on the Region
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the New Delhi-Baramulla railway line on January 26, 2025. This milestone is set to transform travel, making it faster and more convenient for passengers while fostering economic growth and development in the region.
Railways Minister Bittu commended the tireless efforts of engineers, workers, and organizations like IRCON International Limited and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) for overcoming the project’s challenges. “Their precision, passion, and relentless effort are the true foundation of this engineering wonder,” he said.
A New Era for Connectivity
The USBRL project represents more than just infrastructure; it is a symbol of unity and progress. With its completion, the Delhi-Kashmir train will bridge geographical and cultural divides, connecting dreams with reality and ushering in a new era of national integration and economic potential.
