PM Inaugurates Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Today & Here’s Why It Is A Landmark Achievement

In a remarkable achievement for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express after the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. He also inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge in Kashmir.

PM Modi Inaugurates Vande Bharat & Chenab Rail Bridge In Kashmir

During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which will help connect the valley with the rest of the country. According to Hindustan Times, as part of the project, the flagged first Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express – the first train to directly connect the Valley with the rest of India.

This rail project is built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore and traverses some of the most difficult and rugged terrain in the Himalayas. It is expected to be a game changer in the development of the Valley by boosting trade and tourism. The train will commence commercial operations on June 7, 2025.

As per reports, the Vande Bharat train will depart Srinagar at 8 AM and arrive in Katra at 10.58 AM. On the return journey, the train will leave Katra at 2.55 PM to reach Srinagar at 5.53 PM. The second train will leave Katra at 8.10 AM. It is scheduled to arrive in Srinagar at 11.08 AM. The train will then depart Srinagar at 2 PM and conclude its journey at 4.58 PM.

PM @narendramodi Ji inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge – Chenab bridge & India’s first cable stayed railway bridge-Anji bridge.

📍Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/DdI3khkVdL

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 6, 2025

The Vande Bharat Express trains on this route have been specially tailored for the extreme climatic conditions in the region. They are equipped with advanced features to ensure safety and passenger comfort. The train coaches are designed for harsh weather conditions and have heating systems that prevent the freezing of water tanks and bio-toilet units. It also has self-regulating heating cables to ensure uninterrupted operations, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Also Read: Vande Bharat Crosses World’s Highest Railway Bridge, Chenab Bridge To Reach Kashmir; The Marvellous Sight Is Leaving People In Awe

Features Of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link

Following Prime Minister Modi’s flag-off of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express in Kashmir, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted eight key features of the USBRL project.

1. This route has India’s longest transportation tunnel T-50. It is a 12.77 km-long stretch between Khari-Sumber.
2. USBRL also has the country’s second longest transportation tunnel T-80, which is around 11.22 km long. It is also called the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel and is built between Banihal-Qazigund.
3. Tunnel T-44, India’s third longest railway tunnel stretches over 11.13 km and is built between Sawalkote-Sangaldan.
4. This project has 36 main tunnels with a total length of 119.6 Km and eight escape tunnels with a total length of 66.4 Km.
5. The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, is also a part of the USBRL project.
6. Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, standing 331 metres above the riverbed and stretching 725 metres, is another important part of this project.
7. The engineers used the Himalayan Tunneling Method and advanced software to design and construct the structures to withstand seismic activity, heavy snowfall, and landslides.
8. Most importantly, the Vande Bharat train on this route will ensure all-weather connectivity.

Also Read: Fight Breaks Out Between Vande Bharat Express Staff, Passengers Left Shocked Onboard

Are you excited to travel on the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat soon? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/RailMinIndia