The long-awaited moment of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by train will finally arrive on April 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the first train to the Valley from Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine. The inauguration will take place in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, among other dignitaries.
This marks the end of decades of anticipation for direct train connectivity to Kashmir. At present, train services operate only between Sangaldan and Baramulla and from various parts of the country up to Katra. With successful trial runs and all safety and security clearances in place, PM Modi has given his nod to flag off the first train to Kashmir.
PM’s Visit and Inauguration Schedule
According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi will land at Udhampur Army Airport in the morning of April 19 and then proceed to the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. He will inspect the bridge, which is considered an engineering marvel globally. Senior railway officials will brief him about its construction and significance.
Following this, the Prime Minister will reach Katra to flag off the historic train. After the inauguration, he will address a public rally in the holy town before returning to New Delhi via Udhampur Army Airport.
Train Route and Future Expansion
Initially, the train will run between Katra and Baramulla, but once expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed, the service will operate from Jammu to Baramulla, likely starting July-August.
For now, there will be no direct train from Delhi or other cities to Kashmir. Passengers will have to de-board at Katra and switch trains to reach the Valley. Later, this transition will take place at Jammu instead of Katra.
Security Arrangements and Trials
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently reviewed security arrangements for the train launch. The Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) also assessed the situation at Katra.
Several successful trial runs, including that of Vande Bharat, have already been conducted. Security concerns have been addressed, ensuring a safe and smooth journey for passengers.
Project Timeline and Cost
The 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been under development for years, with various sections commissioned in phases:
- Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) – October 2009
- Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) – June 2013
- Udhampur-Katra (25 km) – July 2014
- Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km) – February 2024
The remaining 17-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed three months ago, allowing for final trials, including Vande Bharat. The entire project has cost around ₹41,000 crore.
On January 4, 2025, a successful trial run of an electric train was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section, marking a significant milestone in the project.
Vande Bharat Express for Kashmir
Kashmir will receive a new specially designed Vande Bharat Express Train, connecting Katra and Srinagar. This will be the third such train in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, the train is equipped with anti-freezing technology, allowing it to function smoothly in extreme cold conditions, as low as -20°C. It features an advanced heating system to ensure passenger comfort.
For safety and security, the train is equipped with CCTV cameras, Emergency Talk Back Units, and shatterproof windows. However, it does not have bulletproof glass.
With this new development, train connectivity to Kashmir is set to become a reality, boosting travel, tourism, and economic activities in the region
