Railway Minister updates on challenging USBRL project transforming J&K

22 Dec 2023 CW Team

Detailing the USBRL project's scope, he revealed that 161 km out of the total 272 km had already been commissioned. Emphasising the challenges, Vaishnaw highlighted the predominantly tunneled Katra-Banihal section, with 87% of its 111 km length submerged in tunnels. Notably, the T-49 tunnel is set to become the country's longest transportation railway tunnel at 12.77 km.

Discussing key achievements, Vaishnaw mentioned the world's highest Railway Bridge over the Chenab River and the first cable-stayed bridge over AnjiKhad. Additionally, he informed the Lok Sabha about the sanctioned final location survey for various lines, including the doubling of Baramulla-Banihal section and new lines for Baramulla-Uri, Sopore-Kupwara, Awantipora-Shopian, and Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam.

Highlighting the socio-economic contributions, Vaishnaw underscored the USBRL project's impact on employment generation, generating over 553 lakh man-days of indirect employment. The construction of 215 km of approach roads, a tunnel, and 320 small bridges has furthered development efforts.

On the operational front, Vaishnaw noted that nine pairs of trains currently operate over the Kashmir valley section, reducing travel time and improving passenger experience. Safety measures in line with international norms were emphasised, including mechanical ventilation systems in tunnels, fire fighting provisions, and the escorting of trains by RPF staff.

Vaishnaw concluded by asserting that the rail line expansion is positively transforming the region, benefiting local communities and businesses through enhanced transportation, connectivity, tourism, and the facilitation of goods and services movement.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the formidable nature of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, deeming it perhaps the most challenging railway endeavour in the country post-Independence. Addressing queries from BJP MPs Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Bidyut Baran Mahato, and Jugal Kishore Sharma about the railway network expansion in Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishnaw provided insights into the progress and impact of the project. Detailing the USBRL project's scope, he revealed that 161 km out of the total 272 km had already been commissioned. Emphasising the challenges, Vaishnaw highlighted the predominantly tunneled Katra-Banihal section, with 87% of its 111 km length submerged in tunnels. Notably, the T-49 tunnel is set to become the country's longest transportation railway tunnel at 12.77 km. Discussing key achievements, Vaishnaw mentioned the world's highest Railway Bridge over the Chenab River and the first cable-stayed bridge over AnjiKhad. Additionally, he informed the Lok Sabha about the sanctioned final location survey for various lines, including the doubling of Baramulla-Banihal section and new lines for Baramulla-Uri, Sopore-Kupwara, Awantipora-Shopian, and Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam. Highlighting the socio-economic contributions, Vaishnaw underscored the USBRL project's impact on employment generation, generating over 553 lakh man-days of indirect employment. The construction of 215 km of approach roads, a tunnel, and 320 small bridges has furthered development efforts. On the operational front, Vaishnaw noted that nine pairs of trains currently operate over the Kashmir valley section, reducing travel time and improving passenger experience. Safety measures in line with international norms were emphasised, including mechanical ventilation systems in tunnels, fire fighting provisions, and the escorting of trains by RPF staff. Vaishnaw concluded by asserting that the rail line expansion is positively transforming the region, benefiting local communities and businesses through enhanced transportation, connectivity, tourism, and the facilitation of goods and services movement.

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Infrastructure Energy

03 Apr 2026

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..