Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-kilometer railway line that connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India through an all-weather route. The project, featuring the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad, promises to reshape the region’s socio-economic landscape. With a total cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, this engineering marvel is set to revolutionize mobility, trade, and tourism in the Valley, fulfilling a decades-long aspiration of its people.
A Leap in Connectivity
The USBRL project, spanning 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, marks the culmination of over three decades of perseverance through challenging terrain and geopolitical complexities. The Chenab Rail Bridge, towering 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower—is a testament to Indian engineering prowess. Designed to withstand seismic activity and wind speeds up to 266 km/h, it ensures year-round connectivity, unlike the treacherous mountain roads often blocked by landslides and snow. The Anji Khad Bridge, with its 96 high-tensile cables, further enhances this robust infrastructure.
The introduction of two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar has slashed travel time from six to seven hours by road to just three hours. “This rail link is a dream come true,” said Shabir Ahmad, a senior government officer who boarded the inaugural train. “Passengers couldn’t hide their emotions, praising the leadership for accomplishing this despite many impediments.”
Railway Link helps People Tide over Difficulties
Before the USBRL was completed in 2025, Kashmiris faced major difficulties traveling to Delhi for education and medical treatment. The main issues were frequent closures of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to weather and the high cost of air travel, making access unreliable and expensive.
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Residents like Mehraj Deen, a car painter from Srinagar, shared that winter travel to Jammu was often impossible due to snow, affecting access to further destinations like Delhi. Dr. Parvaiz Koul, former director of SKIMS, noted that patients seeking specialized care in Delhi faced financial burdens from high airfares, often Rs 20,000–30,000. Villagers in remote areas, such as Sumber, reported spending a lot to take patients to hospitals and students lacking facilities, reflecting broader access issues.
These challenges reinforced a sense of isolation, with traders and families expressing frustration over logistical and economic strains. The railway’s completion in 2025 was seen as a potential solution, though initial plans requiring train changes at Katra due to security concerns tempered some optimism.
Economic Transformation
The railway is poised to be a game-changer for Kashmir’s economy, particularly its fruit, handicraft, and tourism sectors. The Valley’s fruit industry, contributing 8% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, has already seen benefits. On June 7, Indian Railways dispatched 24 tonnes of fresh cherries from Kashmir to Mumbai via Katra in just 33 hours, compared to nearly a week by road. Bashir Ahmad Bashir, from the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, called the connectivity “historic and transformative,” noting that reduced transportation costs—up to 75% lower—will boost competitiveness.
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Women entrepreneur Shazia Akthar echoed this optimism, describing the railway as “the biggest gift from the Government of India.” She predicted it would catalyze growth in tourism, handicrafts, and horticulture. “Our shawls and carpets can now reach markets faster and cheaper, opening new opportunities for artisans,” she said.
The rail link is also expected to create jobs and stimulate local businesses. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Chenab and Anji bridges will “serve as gateways to prosperity,” fostering entrepreneurship and industrial growth. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has long awaited this moment since his school days, highlighted its potential to curb exploitative airfares during winter blockades and enhance trade. “Our horticulture produce like cherries and apples will be ferried efficiently,” he said.
Boost to Tourism
Tourism, a lifeline for Kashmir, is set to soar with the new rail connectivity. The Chenab Bridge itself is emerging as a tourist attraction due to its breathtaking height and scenic backdrop. “People will come to see Kashmir via the Chenab Bridge. Its height will make it a major draw,” Modi noted during the inauguration. The Vande Bharat trains, equipped to operate in temperatures as low as -20°C, ensure year-round access for pilgrims and tourists visiting sites like the Vaishno Devi shrine and Srinagar’s iconic destinations.
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Local resident Aijaz Hussain, a tour operator in Srinagar, expressed excitement: “Tourists can now plan winter visits without worrying about road closures. This will extend our season and bring more income to hotels, guides, and shikara operators.” The railway’s reliability is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors, reinforcing Kashmir’s status as a global tourism hub.
Strategic and Social Integration
Beyond economics, the rail link holds strategic significance, facilitating the movement of troops and supplies to the militarized Line of Control. However, some Kashmiris view it with skepticism, seeing it as a tool to entrench New Delhi’s control, especially after the 2019 revocation of the region’s autonomy. Yet, many locals prioritize the tangible benefits. “This isn’t just about politics; it’s about our daily lives improving,” said Rubina Begum, a shopkeeper in Baramulla. “Faster transport means fresher goods and more customers.”
The project also symbolizes national integration. Modi described it as a realization of the phrase “from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,” uniting India’s northernmost region with its southern tip. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the launch, calling it “a long-awaited step” that “promises ease for commuters.”
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Challenges and Analysis
While the rail link heralds progress, challenges remain. Environmental concerns linger, as heavy construction in the fragile Himalayan region risks ecological damage, a criticism previously leveled at projects like the Char Dham Highway. Ensuring equitable economic benefits is another hurdle. Traders in Jammu initially feared losses due to the direct Srinagar link, but Chief Minister Abdullah reassured them, promising measures to strengthen Jammu’s economy.
The project’s success will depend on efficient operations and inclusive development. Indian Railways plans to increase freight train frequencies and promote local products like handlooms and handicrafts, which could amplify economic gains. However, addressing local aspirations, including the restoration of statehood—a demand raised by Abdullah during the Z-Morh tunnel inauguration—will be crucial to sustaining goodwill.
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A New Dawn for Kashmir
The USBRL project, with its iconic Chenab and Anji bridges, is more than infrastructure—it’s a lifeline for Kashmir’s people and businesses. By ending the Valley’s isolation, it promises to weave the region into India’s economic and cultural fabric. As Aijaz Hussain aptly put it, “This railway is our bridge to a brighter future.” With careful stewardship, this engineering triumph could herald a new era of prosperity and unity for Kashmir.
