Traveling from Delhi to Kashmir will soon become faster and more convenient as direct train services are set to launch in January 2025. This significant milestone marks the completion of the highly anticipated Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which has been decades in the making.
Delhi to Kashmir Train Launch Date
According to reports, the first direct train from New Delhi to Baramulla will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tentatively on January 26, 2025. This development will fulfill a long-standing dream of connecting northern Kashmir to India’s vast railway network. The train, likely a state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express, will cover the journey in just 13 hours, transforming travel between Delhi and Kashmir.
A Marvel of Engineering
The USBRL project stands out as an engineering marvel. It includes 38 tunnels spanning 119 km, featuring India’s longest transportation tunnel, T-49, which stretches 12.75 km. The project also boasts 927 bridges, including the world-famous Chenab Bridge, the highest arch railway bridge in the world. Standing at 359 meters above the riverbed, this bridge is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to withstand winds up to 260 km/h and strong earthquakes.
The final 63-km stretch between Sangaldan and Katra is undergoing safety inspections and will be ready by December 2024. This section includes the Reasi-Katra phase, which features four stations along its 17-km length. Once completed, the Delhi to Baramulla route will span approximately 700 km, offering travellers a scenic journey through diverse landscapes.
Milestones Achieved
The USBRL project has achieved significant milestones over the years. The Baramulla-Qazigund section became operational in 2009, followed by Qazigund-Banihal in 2013, Udhampur-Katra in 2014, and Banihal-Sangaldan in early 2024. The upcoming launch of direct train services will complete this monumental project, providing seamless connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir.
Modernising Kashmir Travel
In addition to the USBRL project, the historic Jawahar Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is also being upgraded. This INR 62.5 crore renovation project, managed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), aims to modernize the 2.5-km tunnel with energy-efficient lighting and advanced monitoring systems. Scheduled for completion by early 2025, the renovated tunnel is expected to enhance travel safety and attract tourists.
Boosting Connectivity and Prosperity
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, during a recent visit, highlighted the transformative impact of the new railway on Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the enhanced connectivity will boost economic growth, promote tourism, and bring global attention to the region’s beauty.
With the USBRL project and the Jawahar Tunnel upgrades nearing completion, travel to Kashmir is set to become faster, safer, and more convenient than ever before. The upcoming Delhi-Kashmir train service, combined with these infrastructure advancements, will open new avenues for tourism and development in the region.