Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the highly anticipated Kashmir rail link on Friday, June 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail. The launch ceremony took place in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, where PM Modi also unveiled a series of major infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore.
The centerpiece of the inauguration was the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-kilometer railway line constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore. This ambitious project, which has been in the making for over three decades, features 36 tunnels, 8 escape tunnels and 943 bridges, traversing through challenging Himalayan terrain. The USBRL aims to provide all-weather connectivity to the region, overcoming the seasonal transport isolation that has long plagued the valley.
During the event, PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains that will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. This new train service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately three hours, halving the previous journey time by road. The Vande Bharat Express offers a safer, more comfortable, and faster transportation option, particularly during winter when the Srinagar-Jammu highway often faces closures due to adverse weather conditions.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering. Towering 359 metres above the riverbed – 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower – the bridge spans 1.3 kilometers and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour, with a lifespan of 120 years. Constructed with structural steel suitable for temperatures ranging from -10 to 40 degrees Celsius, the Chenab Bridge is a symbol of India's technological prowess and resilience.
Another notable project inaugurated was India's first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad. Located 80 kilometers from Jammu, the Anji Khad bridge stands 331 metres above the riverbed and stretches 725 metres. The structure utilizes 96 high-tensile cables and was completed in just 11 months.
The completion of the USBRL project and the inauguration of these infrastructure marvels are expected to bring significant benefits to the region. The enhanced connectivity will boost trade, tourism, and overall mobility, fostering economic growth and creating livelihood opportunities for the local population. Furthermore, the railway link will facilitate the movement of people, goods, and troops, which was previously challenging via treacherous mountain roads and air transport.
The government has allocated ₹844 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26 for railway development in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at accelerating ongoing projects and further enhancing rail infrastructure across the region. The electrification of the rail network and the modernization of railway stations are also underway, aligning with the vision of faster, cleaner, and more inclusive growth.
Security measures were intensified across the region ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, with special focus on Katra and Ramban. Railway stations were decorated to mark the occasion, celebrating the historic moment of connecting Kashmir to the rest of India through a reliable and efficient railway network.
