Bringing all-weather connectivity to Kashmir, PM Modi to flag off specially made Vande Bharat trains between Katra, Srinagar

Acting as functional links connecting lives, livelihoods and landscapes, the completely electrified 272-km railway line, passing through 36 tunnels and 943 bridges in the rugged Himalayas, opens new avenues of growth, trade and tourism.

Prime Minister Modi described June 6, the day the trains will be flagged off, as “a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir”. He also said infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore will also be inaugurated.

“The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities,” he said.

The USBRL is one of the most ambitious railway projects undertaken in independent India. Stretching 272 kilometres through the rugged Himalayas, the project has been built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore. It includes 36 tunnels that span 119 kilometres and 943 bridges that knit together valleys, ridges and mountain passes. Designed to overcome the region’s challenging geography, it connects remote areas to the national rail network and marks a new chapter in mobility, trade and tourism for Jammu and Kashmir.

To maximise the impact of this connectivity, the Vande Bharat Express is being introduced between Jammu and Srinagar. Unlike other trains of their kind, these are tailored for the harsh Himalayan winters. They are designed to run smoothly even in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Heated windshields, advanced heating systems and insulated toilets ensure that the train remains operational and comfortable throughout the year.

Supporting this route is a snow removal train that moves ahead to clear the tracks, ensuring year-round services. Seismic dampers have also been installed to absorb tremors, offering a safer and smoother journey.