Udhampur-Baramulla rail link faces delay; inauguration pushed to July

26 Feb 2024 CW Team

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, pivotal for connecting Kashmir with India via rail, confronts delays, pushing its inauguration to July due to infrastructure challenges.

Initially envisioned as a grand launch with the potential introduction of the Vande Bharat Express travelling from Udhampur to Baramulla via the iconic Chenab Bridge, the USBRL's 272 km network faces setbacks. Ongoing tunnelling work around the Chenab Bridge contributes to the delay.

While the Chenab Bridge, towering at 359 m and taller than the Eiffel Tower, stands ready, tunnelling work surrounding the bridge persists. The entire route will be operational in July, postponing the initial February deadline.

Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, cited the formidable Himalayan terrain's geological complexities and hurdles in the Lok Sabha.

Recently, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated several railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the 48 km railway line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section spanning 185.66 km. The inauguration also included the first electric train service in the Kashmir valley and the train service between Sangaldan and Baramulla stations.

Partial commissioning of the USBRL, notably the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, is significant, featuring the Ballast Less Track (BLT), promising enhanced travel experiences. India's longest transportation tunnel, T-50 (12.77 km), lies within the Khari-Sumber stretch.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..