Jammu and Kashmir Connectivity Expands Through Rail, Road and Air
Built at a cost of Rs. 437.8 bn, the 272-km railway project passes through eight districts and includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. Supporting roads covering more than 215 km have been built, the corridor has been electrified, and the project has generated over 50 mn person-days of employment. Its major structures include the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Vande Bharat Express services between Katra and Srinagar began in June 2025 and were extended to Jammu Tawi in April 2026, reducing the journey to less than five hours. The trains have been expanded from eight to 20 coaches. Four stations have also been identified for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, while proposed rail projects include additional lines linking Jalandhar, Jammu, Katra and Poonch.
Road connectivity is being strengthened through 110 projects covering 598.455 km under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV. Estimated at more than Rs. 15 bn, the projects are intended to benefit 46,972 people. The 6.4-km Sonamarg Tunnel, completed at a cost exceeding Rs. 27 bn, provides all-weather access, while the 13.153-km Zojila Tunnel is being built along NH 1. The Rs. 68.08 bn project reached its main-tunnel breakthrough in June 2026.
Expansion at Srinagar International Airport, approved at Rs. 16.77 bn, will add a 71,500-square-metre terminal capable of handling 10 mn passengers annually, 15 aircraft bays and parking for 1,000 cars. Regional airports are planned at Udhampur and Kishtwar. A multimodal cargo terminal in Samba is operational, with three more proposed in Kathua, Anantnag and Jammu to improve market access for agricultural and traditional products.