The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is set to revolutionize connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir with the introduction of the first passenger train to Srinagar on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the service on June 6, marking a historic milestone for the region.

This development marks the end of over 70 years of waiting for a direct train service to Kashmir, linking the valley to the rest of India through a continuous rail link. The ambitious project, which was initially sanctioned in 1995, has faced numerous delays due to the challenging terrain. However, with the completion of the Katra-Banihal section, the dream of seamless rail connectivity has finally been realized.

The first train to Srinagar will be the Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train designed to withstand the region's harsh winter conditions. The train will feature heated windscreens, sophisticated heating mechanisms, and thermally insulated lavatories to ensure passenger comfort throughout the year.

Initially, two Vande Bharat Express trains will operate six days a week between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. Train number 26401 will depart from Katra at 8:10 AM and reach Srinagar at 11:08 AM, with a brief stop at Banihal. In the return direction, train number 26402 will leave Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrive at Katra at 4:48 PM, also with a stop at Banihal.

Another pair of Vande Bharat trains, numbered 26403 and 26404, will also serve the route. Train 26404 will depart from Srinagar at 8:00 AM and reach Katra at 10:58 AM, while train 26403 will leave Katra at 2:55 PM and arrive in Srinagar at 5:53 PM.

The introduction of these Vande Bharat trains is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar. The semi-high-speed trains will cover the approximately 150-kilometer distance in just about 3 hours, a considerable improvement compared to the 8-10 hours it currently takes by road.

The USBRL project is a testament to engineering prowess, with the route incorporating 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers and 943 bridges. Among these, the Chenab Bridge stands out as the world's highest railway arch bridge, soaring 467 meters above the riverbed, 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, is another remarkable feat of engineering on this route.

The new rail link is expected to provide a significant boost to the region's economy, facilitating tourism, commerce, and everyday commuting. The improved connectivity will make it easier for people to travel to and from the Kashmir Valley, promoting trade and cultural exchange.