The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, spanning 272 km, has been fully commissioned. It traverses the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir. USBRL stands out as one of the most challenging post-independence rail projects undertaken in India due to the terrain of the young Himalayas, which present frequent geological complexities.

Notably, the project includes the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab river in Reasi, measuring 1,315 metres in length with a 467-metre arch span and 359-metre height from the riverbed. It also features Indian Railways’ first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad, with a deck 331 metres above the riverbed and a main pylon of 193 metres.

Beyond engineering feats, the project has had a transformative socio-economic impact, generating over 50 million man-days of employment. More than 215 km of approach roads—including tunnels and 320 small bridges—were constructed, enhancing connectivity and local economic activity.

In line with global safety norms, tunnels longer than 2 km are equipped with mechanical ventilation systems, fire hydrants, and extinguishers. Escape tunnels have been constructed for those over 3 km, totalling 66 km.

To protect the Himalayan environment, extensive slope stabilisation measures were employed with input from global experts and institutes like IISc Bangalore and IIT Delhi. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) conducted environmental impact assessments, and recommendations from its Environmental Management Plan were implemented.

Initiatives such as sedimentation tanks at tunnel outlets, reverse pumping of water, and proper surface drainage systems help mitigate construction impacts. Controlled blasting and the installation of air quality sensors in all Katra-Banihal section tunnels minimise ecological disruption.

The fully electrified rail line supports Indian Railways' sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions. Eco-restoration efforts also include planting native species on dumping sites to preserve local biodiversity.

The project promises significant tourism growth by ensuring reliable, all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir valley.

Land for the USBRL project was acquired entirely within Jammu & Kashmir under the 1990 Land Acquisition Act. A total of 1,559.48 hectares of private land and 276.71 hectares of government land were acquired. Compensation amounting to Rs 8.16 billion has been fully deposited with district authorities. Land assessment, valuation, and compensation distribution were managed by the state government in coordination with railway authorities.

This information was shared by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.