PM Modi Inaugurates First Ever Rail Link Between Delhi and Kashmir: A New Chapter in Connectivity

On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched a historic rail link connecting Delhi to the Kashmir Valley—marking the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This ambitious infrastructure project, spanning 272 kilometers through mountainous terrain, now provides the Kashmir region with its first direct railway connection to the rest of India.

A New Chapter in Connectivity

Engineering Feats Across the Himalayas

The USBRL project is not just significant for its scale, but also for the engineering marvels it includes. Two standout structures—the Chenab and Anji bridges—play a critical role in making this route possible.

The Chenab Bridge, in particular, has captured global attention. Soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River, it now holds the record as the highest railway arch bridge in the world. Built to withstand severe weather and seismic activity, the bridge showcases India's advanced engineering capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Anji Khad Bridge, the country’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, adds to the architectural and logistical achievements of the project. Both bridges have been designed to ensure safe and smooth passage through one of India’s most geographically challenging regions.

Fast-Tracking Development with Vande Bharat Trains

As part of the launch, Vande Bharat Express trains will now operate on the route, dramatically cutting travel times. Commuters can expect to travel between Katra and Srinagar in under three hours, offering both comfort and speed.

This new rail line is expected to boost trade and tourism in the region. Local products such as apples, saffron, and pashmina shawls can now be transported more efficiently to markets across India, opening up economic opportunities for local businesses and farmers.

A Symbol of Integration and Growth

The successful completion of this decades-long project is being hailed as a symbol of national unity and progress. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the railway in fostering inclusive development, strengthening national integration, and bringing prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir.

By overcoming logistical, environmental, and political challenges, the USBRL serves as a shining example of India's determination to connect every corner of the country—no matter how remote. As trains begin to run across this newly completed link, it represents not just a new route, but a pathway to a more connected and developed future for the region.