Railway Minister updates on challenging USBRL project transforming J&K
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railway Minister updates on challenging USBRL project transforming J&K

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DCPC Prepares for Special Campaign 5.0 with Focus on E-Waste

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, is gearing up for Special Campaign 5.0, to be held from 2nd to 31st October 2025. The initiative will focus on e-waste disposal as per MoEFCC’s E-Waste Management Rules 2022, space optimisation, and enhancing workplace efficiency across field offices.Special Campaign 4.0, conducted between October 2023 and October 2024, delivered notable results in record management, grievance redressal, scrap disposal, and cleanliness drives.Key outcomes of Special Campaign 4.0Records management: 2,443 physical fil..

Next Story
Real Estate

BlackRock India Leases 1.4 Lakh Sq Ft in Bengaluru

BlackRock Services India, the domestic arm of global asset manager BlackRock, has leased 1.4 lakh sq ft of office space at IndiQube Symphony in Bengaluru, according to Propstack data. The 10-year deal is valued at around Rs 4.10 billion.The lease, among the largest transactions in India’s co-working sector, highlights the growing preference of global institutions for flexible office providers. The agreement, commencing October 1, 2025, covers ground plus five floors in KNG Tower 1 at Ashoknagar, MG Road — one of Bengaluru’s prime commercial hubs.As per the lease document, BlackRock will ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

L&T Bags Rs 25–50 Bn Order for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Track Works

Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Transportation Infrastructure business has secured an order valued between Rs 25 crore and Rs 50 billion from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.The contract, Package T1, involves the design, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of 156 route km of high-speed ballastless track on a Design-Build Lump Sum Price basis. The stretch runs from Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex to Zaroli village in Gujarat and includes 21 km of underground track and 135 km of elevated viaduct.Se..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?