Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Srinagar–Jammu–Delhi rail link on Friday at the Katra, thus connecting the Valley with the rail network of the country. The launch marks a major milestone in the country's rail connectivity and aims at integrating Kashmir with the national railway grid.
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which will now be fully operational, ensures all-weather connectivity.
During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, situated 359 metres above the Chenab River. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is engineered to withstand seismic and wind forces and will cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours when the new Vande Bharat trains operate on it.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge built in challenging terrain.
Later, he will flag off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, enhancing travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
After the inauguration, PM Modi will address a public rally at Katra sports ground.
The 272-km USBRL project, constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, comprises 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges that traverse rugged Himalayan terrain.
Central Reserve Police Force personnel have been deployed for security across the USBRL, especially on the Katra–Baramulla stretch and around the Chenab Bridge. The Army, Railway Protection Force, and Government Railway Police are also involved in the security arrangements.
The work on the project to link Kashmir by train was started in 1997 and has missed several deadlines given geological, topographical and meteorological challenges, leading to cost escalation and its completion at a cost of over Rs 41,000 crore.
Out of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km was commissioned in phases with the first phase of the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section commissioned in October 2009 followed by 18 km Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, 25 km Udhampur-Katra in July 2014 and 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February, last year.
The visit of the prime minister will be first after the launch of Operation Sindoor to hit terror infrastructure across the border early last month in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons dead on April 22.
According to railway officials, the staggering 119 km of the track runs through tunnels and has been equipped with full CCTV surveillance for passenger safety.
“Every inch of the track is under watch,” an official said, promising a safer and more secure travel experience for commuters traversing some of the country’s most challenging landscapes.
Modi was earlier scheduled to inaugurate the train in April but the event was postponed due to inclement weather forecast.
In addition to rail infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate road projects to improve last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, with a combined investment exceeding ₹1,952 crore.
He will also inaugurate two flyovers at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 in Srinagar and Bemina Junction on NH-44 to ease traffic congestion.
Further, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The ₹350 crore project will be the first medical college in Reasi district, enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.