The first Vande Bharat Express train to traverse Kashmir has commenced its journey, offering a breathtaking spectacle as it crosses the iconic Anji Khad Bridge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on June 6, 2025, marking a historic moment for the region and its connectivity with the rest of India. Regular Vande Bharat services to Kashmir began on June 7, 2025.
The Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, is a crucial component of the USBRL project. Spanning 725.5 meters in length and soaring 331 meters above the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab, the bridge connects Katra and Reasi. Its main pylon, standing 193 meters tall, supports the structure with 96 high-tensile cables. This engineering marvel is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including wind speeds up to 213 km/h, and to facilitate train speeds of up to 100 km/h. The bridge also integrates an advanced monitoring system with numerous sensors to ensure structural integrity throughout its service life, with earthquake safety measures implemented following detailed studies by IIT Roorkee.
The Vande Bharat Express trains operating on this route are specially designed to handle the harsh Himalayan winter conditions. They feature heated windshields, thermally insulated lavatories, and advanced sub-zero heating systems, enabling operation in temperatures as low as -20°C. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, numbered 26401/02 and 26403/04, will run on the Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar route, with scheduled stops at Banihal. Train number 26401 leaves Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 8:10 AM and reaches Srinagar at 11:08 AM, while train number 26402 departs Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrives at Katra at 4:48 PM. These services operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.
The commencement of the Vande Bharat Express service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to approximately three hours, cutting the current journey time by two to three hours. This enhanced connectivity promises to boost tourism, business, and overall commuting efficiency in the region. Passengers have already lauded the new service for its unmatched convenience and comfort, describing it as a game-changer for connecting Kashmir with the rest of India.
The USBRL project, valued at ₹43,780 crore, includes 943 bridges and 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers. The Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed, is also a key element of this ambitious project. With the completion of the USBRL, Kashmir now has all-weather railway connectivity with the rest of India for the first time, ensuring smoother, faster, and more reliable transportation.
The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express and the commissioning of the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges mark a new chapter in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. These infrastructure projects not only enhance connectivity but also promise to stimulate economic growth, create livelihood opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for the people of the region.
