PM Modi Flags Off Kashmir's First Vande Bharat Train Service, Launches Key Bridges On USBRL Project

In a big rail infrastructure push for Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged of first Vande Bharat express between Katra and Srinagar on Friday (6 June) on the recently completed Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

During his J&K visit, PM Modi also inaugurate two major bridges that will transform rail connectivity across the region: the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge.

At around 11 am, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, a monumental steel arch bridge standing 359 meters above the Chenab River.

With a total length of 1,315 meters, this bridge is designed to endure seismic and wind conditions.

Once operational, the bridge will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by 2-3 hours.

Notably, trains running on the bridge, such as the Vande Bharat Express, will offer a travel time of just about 3 hours between Katra and Srinagar.

Following this, PM Modi visited and inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India's highest cable stayed bridge.

Located in a challenging terrain, the Anji Bridge will connect Katra to the rest of the region.

A series of other crucial infrastructure projects were also inaugurated.

Among them is the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which will enhance all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

Spanning 272 kilometers with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, including the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, this Rs 43,780 crore project will integrate the region with the rest of India.

Prime Minister Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back.

These trains will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others.

Currently, train services in Kashmir run only between Baramulla and Sangaldan, with long-distance trains ending at Katra.

The new Vande Bharat will fill this gap, running from Katra to Srinagar/Baramulla, enabling commuters to travel directly to Kashmir by train for the first time.

The service will be extended to Jammu once station work is done.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express aims to boost tourism and provide a reliable travel option for both locals and visitors in the region.

The train is one of the key components of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), covering a distance of over 150 km between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station and Srinagar station in around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Further, in a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, the Prime Minister also launched various road projects.

He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore.

He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44.

These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters.

Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Also Read: Chenab Bridge: How India Built World’s Highest Railway Arch Under USBRL Project To Enable All-Weather Rail Link To Kashmir