The long wait for a direct train connection to Kashmir will finally end 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 historic event will be attended by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
With successful trial runs and security clearances in place, the railway link between Katra and Baramulla is now ready for operations. While train services already exist between Sangaldan and Baramulla, this new connection from Katra will mark a major milestone in India’s railway expansion. Initially, the train will operate between Katra and Baramulla, with plans to extend the service to Jammu after ongoing platform expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed by July-August.
Prime Minister Modi will arrive at Udhampur Army airport on April 19 and visit the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district before heading to Katra for the official flag-off ceremony. He will also address a public rally in Katra before returning to New Delhi.
The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been years in the making. Out of the total 272-kilometer project, 209 kilometers were commissioned in phases, with key sections opening between 2009 and 2023. The final 17-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed three months ago, paving the way for trial runs, including the Vande Bharat Express.
Kashmir will soon welcome a specially designed Vande Bharat Express Train, connecting Katra and Srinagar. This advanced semi-high-speed train, manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), features anti-freezing technology, enabling smooth operations even in temperatures as low as -20°C. It also comes equipped with advanced heating systems, CCTV cameras, an Emergency Talk Back Unit, and shatterproof windows for enhanced safety.
With an investment of ₹41,000 crore, the USBRL project is set to revolutionize rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, making travel to the Valley more accessible and efficient. The launch of this new train service marks a historic achievement, further integrating Kashmir with the national railway network.
