Jammu, Nov 19: The Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh, announced on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express connecting Kashmir to New Delhi in January 2025. The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and pass through the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
According to officials, the Railways have completed 255 kilometers of the 272-kilometer USBRL project, leaving only a 17-kilometer stretch between Katra and Reasi, expected to be finished by December. Singh emphasized that safety checks and inspections are ongoing to ensure the project meets all standards.
“This project is a massive undertaking, and only after thorough inspections will a final inauguration date be announced. The Prime Minister’s schedule currently points to January,” Singh told reporters.
A Transformative Initiative
Singh highlighted the project’s significance for the people of Kashmir, stating it would alleviate traffic congestion on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which frequently closes during winter. “The Vande Bharat Express is a gift from the NDA government and the Prime Minister to the people of Kashmir. It will boost tourism, enhance business opportunities, and provide much-needed relief to the valley,” he said.
He also noted the expedited work on the project over the past eight years, following earlier delays. The train service is expected to offer affordable travel, with fares ranging between ₹1,500 and ₹2,100, and stops at major destinations like Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi.
Boost to Local Economy
The minister highlighted the project’s economic benefits, stating that fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers from Kashmir will now reach Delhi faster, providing a significant boost to local businesses.
Engineering Marvels
Singh also visited key sections of the project, including the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. In a post on X, he lauded the engineering brilliance behind the project and praised the collaborative efforts of IRCON International Limited and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).
The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing 359 meters above the riverbed and 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, is a critical part of the USBRL project. Spanning 1.3 kilometers, it connects Katra to Banihal, forming a crucial segment of the 111-km Kashmir Railway project.
Project Timeline and Updates
Declared a “National Project” in 2002, the USBRL spans 272 kilometers. Key sections have been 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 2020
Recent inspections, including those by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), focused on the Sangaldan-Reasi section, featuring the Chenab Rail Bridge and several tunnels.
With the anticipated inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express in January, the project is set to become a milestone in connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country, fostering development and strengthening ties.
