Katra-Sangaldan section: PM set to inaugurate final rail stretch to Kashmir on Friday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the last leg of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on June 6, 2025. This move will fully connect Kashmir to the Indian railway network. The final 63-kilometer Katra–Sangaldan stretch marks a historic moment for infrastructure in the region.
The USBRL project began in the 1990s and gained national importance in 2002. Its goal was simple but ambitious: link the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through a reliable rail network.
Engineering Through the Himalayas
The Katra–Sangaldan rail stretch cuts through one of the most difficult terrains in the country. Engineers built 37 bridges and 27 tunnels along this route. Tunnel T-49, India’s longest railway tunnel, extends 12.75 kilometers.
The route features two iconic structures. The Chenab Rail Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, are both part of this rail line. These structures stand as proof of India’s engineering talent and determination.
The entire 272-km USBRL line, from Udhampur to Baramulla, is now operational. Trains will soon run directly through Kashmir, reducing isolation and travel time.
Vande Bharat Trains to Srinagar
PM Modi will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar. These high-speed trains offer modern facilities and smooth travel through the Himalayan region. They are designed to perform in tough weather, including snow and heavy rain.
These trains will significantly reduce the journey time between Jammu and Kashmir. For passengers, this means greater comfort, better safety, and faster connections.
Tourism and Pilgrimage to Get a Boost
Katra serves as the base for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Millions of devotees visit each year. The new railway line will make their journey quicker and more reliable, especially in bad weather.
The direct train to Srinagar will also help the tourism industry in Kashmir. More tourists will now find it easier to visit Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and other scenic spots. The ease of access is likely to increase both domestic and international footfall.
Connecting People and Markets
The USBRL line goes beyond tourism. It will open economic opportunities for local communities. Farmers, craftsmen, and traders in Kashmir can now transport goods to markets in other states with ease. This will reduce shipping costs and improve profits.
Better rail access also means more job opportunities and improved access to education and healthcare for people living in remote areas. The rail line brings them closer to services that were once out of reach.
A Message of Unity
This project isn’t just about trains and tunnels. It symbolizes a deeper goal: national unity. Connecting Kashmir by rail shows the government’s commitment to equal development across all regions.
Prime Minister Modi has often said, “Connectivity is productivity.” This project supports that vision. It brings Kashmir into the economic mainstream and boosts national integration through infrastructure.
Environmentally Conscious Development
The rail project required sensitive planning. Engineers avoided damage to forests and rivers along the alignment. Tunnels helped minimize deforestation. Bridges included safety measures for earthquakes and landslides.
While the development was large-scale, the team also took care to protect the local environment. These steps ensured that progress did not come at the cost of nature.
Conclusion
The Katra–Sangaldan section is now complete. This marks the end of a long journey that began decades ago. The USBRL project connects Kashmir to India not only physically but also emotionally and economically.
When the Vande Bharat trains start running through the Valley, they won’t just carry passengers. They’ll carry progress, opportunity, and a sense of unity.
The hills and tunnels of Kashmir will echo with the sound of a new beginning—one that promises growth, peace, and inclusion for generations to come.
