In just three days, on April 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the final phase of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project — the Katra-Sangaldaan section. With this, India will achieve full rail connectivity from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
The Katra to Sangaldaan stretch is a 272-kilometre-long project. Notably, this phase includes the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest arch railway bridge. This bridge connects Delhi to Kashmir by rail via Katra.
A resident of Bakkal village, located near the bridge, said, “This bridge is in our area. PM Modi will inaugurate it on April 19. We are very happy; everyone in the village is overjoyed. The construction of this bridge brought many job opportunities, and we hope to get employment even after its inauguration.”
‘Train to Kashmir is a Dream of Every Indian’
On April 10, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, highlighted the significance of the 272-kilometre-long USBRL project, which includes 119 kilometres of tunnels.
Speaking to ANI, Kumar said that the project is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and religious significance in the Kashmir region. “Running a train to Kashmir has been a dream for every Indian,” he added.
He stated that after years of preparation, the USBRL section is now ready. The region holds immense importance from religious, tourism, and connectivity perspectives. On the day of the inauguration, two Vande Bharat Express trains will start operating—one from Srinagar and the other from Katra to Srinagar.
Two Vande Bharat Express Trains to Start
The Executive Director of the Railway Board announced that two Vande Bharat Express trains will be launched on the inauguration day. One will run from Srinagar, and the other from Katra to Srinagar.
On January 23, Indian Railways conducted a trial run of the first Vande Bharat train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station and Srinagar station. The train passes through India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. It has been specially designed to withstand the cold climate of the Kashmir Valley.
What Will Be the Route of Vande Bharat Express?
The Vande Bharat Express will start from Katra railway station and pass through Reasi, Sangaldaan, Banihal, Qazigund, and Anantnag before reaching Srinagar.