Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is an engineering marvel that connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country by train; a gamechanger that can revolutionise trade, tourism, and the economy of J&K.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar on Friday. The inauguration of a direct rail link to the Valley is a historic milestone that is likely to have a far-reaching impact on the development, trade, and tourism of Kashmir, and its closer all-round integration with the rest of the country.
So far, trains have been running between Banihal and Baramulla, north of Srinagar in the Kashmir valley, and between Jammu, Udhampur and Katra in the Jammu region.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after ‘Operation Sindoor’ – India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan launched on 7 May in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
Passengers aboard the train traverse narrow gorges, deep valleys framed by towering Himalayan summits, and serpentine tunnels hewn into the Shivalik hills, all while following the winding course of the Chenab River. Along this route lie engineering marvels that astound the world: the world’s highest Chenab Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad, and the extensive 13-kilometre-long T-50 tunnel.
Jammu and Kashmir, long celebrated for its natural beauty, now welcomes visitors with this extraordinary rail link that opens new doors to explore its pristine landscapes. Locomotive pilot Manoj Kumar Meena shared his pride in piloting the inaugural train, calling it “a journey through a wonderland of ever-changing natural beauty and engineering feats.”
Climate-Specific Vande Bharat#
Why are these Vande Bharat trains special? The Kashmir version of the Vande Bharat Express trains is designed to handle the harsh winter conditions of the Himalayas. The Vande Bharat Express, being put to service on the Jammu-Srinagar route, is specifically engineered to withstand severe winter conditions in the Himalayan region.
The train maintains efficient functionality at temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius. The incorporation of heated windscreens, sophisticated heating mechanisms and thermally insulated lavatories will ensure year-round operations.
The train is equipped with climate-specific adaptations to provide advanced heating systems in sub-zero temperatures, driver’s front lookout glass embedded with heating elements for defrosting, and to ensure clear visibility during harsh winters.
Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Check All Routes, Start Date, Stoppages and Other Key Details#
The Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, launching on April 19, 2025, promises a swift journey of approximately 190 kilometres in just three hours. This semi-high-speed train will enhance connectivity and tourism in Kashmir, featuring modern amenities and advanced heating systems for winter operations.
The Jammu to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is an upcoming semi-high-speed train service designed to enhance connectivity between these two key locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
This train will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar, significantly reducing travel time from the current 8-10 hours by road to just about 3 hours.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar on April 19, with the inauguration taking place at Katra Railway Station (Vaishno Devi).
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express aims to boost tourism and provide a reliable travel option for both locals and visitors in the region.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is a significant new train service that will connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Srinagar, marking the first semi-high-speed train for the Kashmir Valley.
The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), covering a distance of over 150 km between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
This service is set to enhance travel efficiency, reducing the journey time to approximately 2.5 to 3 hours over a distance of about 150 kilometres.
The train is expected to commence commercial operations in February 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate it in the first week of the month.
Recent trial runs have demonstrated the train’s capabilities, successfully covering the route and showcasing its advanced features designed for cold climates. The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and is anticipated to stop at key stations such as Reasi and Banihal.
“Now Kashmir is fully integrated. You can see this beauty. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, we are part of history,” said another student, Anurag.
Another man-made marvel on the Katra–Banihal section is the Anji Khad Bridge, a high-value tourist attraction and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Supported by 96 cables, the 725-metre-long bridge stands 331 metres above mean sea level.
The 272-kilometre-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, constructed at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, comprises 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges traversing the rugged Himalayan terrain.
“The Banihal–Katra section of the project is known for its man-made wonders — the world’s highest railway bridge, the cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge, the longest T-50 tunnel, and a chain of tunnels and bridges. It is a breathtaking experience from a tourism perspective,” said Dilip Kumar, executive director of the Railway Board.
He said this 111-km section has 97.4 km of track passing through tunnels and over bridges. “It’s a journey through India’s engineering marvels,” he said.
Social media has already dubbed this ride “India’s Switzerland experience” after viral videos showcased snow-covered trains cutting through the valley. Tourists, influencers and even South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes expressed awe and a desire to experience it.
Asserting that the journey on the Vande Bharat trains through hills will be a beautiful journey, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, “It is a beautiful journey, with scenic views along the way. Children, youth and even couples can take photos en route. This will also serve as an alternative route and reduce congestion on the highway.”