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

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?