Starting January 2025, direct train services between Delhi and Kashmir are expected to commence, making travel to the region more convenient. According to reports, this milestone will coincide with the completion of the much-anticipated Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a significant achievement in connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by rail.
Officials have stated that the majority of the project is already complete, with final touches, such as the construction of Tunnel T-33 and the Reasi-Katra section, slated for completion by December 2024. The much-anticipated direct train service between New Delhi and Baramulla is set to begin in January 2025. Reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this historic service on January 26, 2025, fulfilling a long-held dream of integrating northern Kashmir into India’s extensive rail network.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project stands as a testament to engineering brilliance, boasting 38 tunnels spanning a total of 119 kilometers. Among these, Tunnel T-49, India’s longest transportation tunnel at 12.75 kilometers, showcases cutting-edge design. The project also includes 927 bridges, with the iconic Chenab Bridge as its crown jewel. Towering 359 meters above the riverbed, this arch railway bridge is not only the highest in the world but also stands 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. Built to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h and the strongest earthquakes, it exemplifies India’s advanced engineering capabilities.
The final 63-kilometer segment connecting Sangaldan to Katra is currently undergoing rigorous safety checks. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, during a recent site visit, expressed confidence in the railway’s potential to revolutionize connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, fostering economic growth and enhancing global competitiveness. Meanwhile, the 17-kilometer Reasi-Katra phase, featuring four stations, is on track for completion by December, signaling significant progress in this transformative project.
Over the years, this landmark project has achieved several key milestones: the Baramulla-Qazigund section was completed in 2009, followed by Qazigund-Banihal in 2013, Udhampur-Katra in 2014, and the Banihal-Sangaldan service launched in February 2024. Once fully operational, the Delhi-Baramulla rail route will cover roughly 700 kilometers, providing travelers with a seamless journey from Delhi’s bustling plains to Kashmir’s breathtaking snow-covered peaks.
Simultaneously, the historic Jawahar Tunnel, situated in the Pir Panjal range along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, is undergoing a major modernization effort. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is overseeing this INR 62.5 crore renovation project, which includes upgrading the 2.5-kilometer tunnel with cutting-edge features such as energy-efficient lighting and real-time monitoring systems. Expected to be completed by early 2025, these enhancements will ensure safer travel and highlight the tunnel’s historical and engineering significance, potentially transforming it into a tourist landmark.
With the completion of the USBRL project and the modernization of the Jawahar Tunnel, travel to Jammu and Kashmir is set to become significantly more convenient and appealing.
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