By Ayesha Khan, Special Correspondent | June 7, 2025
Lead
On June 7, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the final Sangaldan–Katra section of the 272‑km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), marking the completion of India’s most challenging mountain railway project after nearly three decades of planning and construction. This historic milestone finally brings seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country en.wikipedia.orgapnews.com.
5 Key Takeaways
- First-of-its-Kind Connectivity: The USBRL now offers direct train services from Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar and Katra, slashing travel time by over 50%.
- Engineering Marvels: Features India’s longest rail tunnel—Tunnel T‑50 at 12.775 km—and the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River en.wikipedia.org.
- Economic Impact: Projected to boost tourism, local industries, and employment across Jammu & Kashmir by integrating markets and reducing logistical costs.
- Strategic Importance: Enhances rapid troop deployment capabilities and strengthens national security along the volatile Line of Control.
- Investment & Jobs: Sanctioned at ₹37,012 crore, with ₹26,786 crore spent up to March 2022; over 700 landowners received permanent Railways jobs during land acquisition pib.gov.in.
Expert Analysis
“The completion of the USBRL is a watershed moment for Himalayan infrastructure. Integrating cutting-edge tunneling methods like NATM has ensured structural resilience against seismic and freeze-thaw stresses,” says Dr. Prashant Kumar, Professor of Civil Engineering at IIT Delhi. “Studies in PLOS ONE highlight how advanced insulation layers optimize thermal stability in cold-region tunnels, a principle vital to Tunnel T‑50’s success” researchgate.net.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted, “This is not just an engineering achievement but a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and national integration” timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Project Timeline
- 1979: First proposals for rail link floated under then–Railway Minister.
- 1994–95: USBRL formally approved; initial estimated cost ₹12,000 crore.
- 2002: Land acquisition and preliminary works begin.
- 2014: Udhampur–Katra segment commissioned by PM Modi pib.gov.in.
- February 2024: Tunnel T‑50 inaugurated, becoming India’s longest rail tunnel en.wikipedia.org.
- June 6, 2025: Final Sangaldan–Katra stretch inaugurated, rendering the entire line operational ptinews.com.
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What Happens Next?
- Service Roll‑out: Two ultra-modern Vande Bharat trains to begin daily runs between Udhampur and Baramulla.
- Tourism Push: Special pilgrimage trains to expedite Amarnath and Vaishno Devi journeys.
- Economic Zones: Rail‑linked freight corridors to promote horticulture and handicrafts exports.
Daily Digest
- June 8: First commercial Vande Bharat departure, 8 AM from Udhampur.
- June 10: Governors and Lt. Governor’s review of early passenger feedback.
- Weekly Update: Track safety audits every Monday; ridership figures posted online.
