Full Kashmir Rail Link Now Operational After 28 Years

11 Jun 2025 CW Team

According to Northern Railways, the USBRL project was executed in multiple phases. The first 55 km stretch between Jammu and Udhampur became operational in April 2005. Progress continued with the 68 km Anantnag-Mazhom section opening in October 2008, followed by the 32 km Mazhom-Baramulla line in February 2009. This allowed rail services to operate from Baramulla to Anantnag by the end of that year.

Later in 2009, the line extended southward to Quazigund. A major milestone came in June 2013 with the completion of the Quazigund-Banihal section, including the 11.2 km Pir Panjal tunnel. In July 2014, the Udhampur-Katra line was inaugurated, enhancing connectivity on the Jammu side.

When the Modi government assumed office, rail connectivity was active between Baramulla and Banihal in Kashmir and from Katra to Jammu, with the 111 km Banihal–Katra section still under construction. This final stretch was completed in two parts: Banihal to Sangaldan in February 2024 and Sangaldan to Katra on 6 June 2025.

The newly completed Banihal-Katra section includes the iconic Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch—and the Anji Bridge, as well as some of India's most technically demanding rail tunnels. Among them is the 12.75 km tunnel between Banihal and Sangaldan, now the country's longest operational rail tunnel.

Officials from Northern Railway described the final stretch as the most complex segment of the project, involving high-altitude construction, seismic challenges, and difficult terrain. The USBRL project now links Kashmir to the national railway network for the first time, enabling greater integration, mobility, and economic development in the region.

The 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of India's most challenging infrastructure undertakings, is now fully operational after 28 years. The final section was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 June 2025, marking the completion of a Rs 110 billion project that began in 1997.According to Northern Railways, the USBRL project was executed in multiple phases. The first 55 km stretch between Jammu and Udhampur became operational in April 2005. Progress continued with the 68 km Anantnag-Mazhom section opening in October 2008, followed by the 32 km Mazhom-Baramulla line in February 2009. This allowed rail services to operate from Baramulla to Anantnag by the end of that year.Later in 2009, the line extended southward to Quazigund. A major milestone came in June 2013 with the completion of the Quazigund-Banihal section, including the 11.2 km Pir Panjal tunnel. In July 2014, the Udhampur-Katra line was inaugurated, enhancing connectivity on the Jammu side.When the Modi government assumed office, rail connectivity was active between Baramulla and Banihal in Kashmir and from Katra to Jammu, with the 111 km Banihal–Katra section still under construction. This final stretch was completed in two parts: Banihal to Sangaldan in February 2024 and Sangaldan to Katra on 6 June 2025.The newly completed Banihal-Katra section includes the iconic Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch—and the Anji Bridge, as well as some of India's most technically demanding rail tunnels. Among them is the 12.75 km tunnel between Banihal and Sangaldan, now the country's longest operational rail tunnel.Officials from Northern Railway described the final stretch as the most complex segment of the project, involving high-altitude construction, seismic challenges, and difficult terrain. The USBRL project now links Kashmir to the national railway network for the first time, enabling greater integration, mobility, and economic development in the region.

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jul 2025

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jul 2025

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jul 2025

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Full Kashmir Rail Link Now Operational After 28 Years

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

Latest Updates

Recommended for you

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Modal Heading

First Name *

Last Name *

Industry *

Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Password *

Confirm Password *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

Password *

Please enter the details

Email Address

Modal Heading

First Name *

Last Name *

Industry *

Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Password *

Confirm Password *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

Password *

Please enter the details

Email Address