Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Fully Operational After 28 Years

After nearly 28 years in the making, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) — a 272-km strategic railway project — has finally become fully operational with the inauguration of the Sangaldan-Katra section on June 6, 2025. The project, which began in 1997, aims to provide seamless connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, crossing through the world’s highest railway bridge on the Chenab and several record-breaking tunnels, including India’s longest operational rail tunnel.

Why in News?

On June 6, 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the final phase of the USBRL project — the Sangaldan to Katra section, making the entire rail line fully operational. This marked the completion of a project first approved in 1997, aimed at connecting Kashmir with the rest of India via railway. The last link included iconic engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, and 12.75 km Pir Panjal tunnel.

Project Timeline and Phased Commissioning

• 1997: USBRL project sanctioned.
• April 2005: First segment (Jammu–Udhampur, 55 km) completed.
• October 2008: Anantnag–Mazhom section (68 km) inaugurated.
• February 2009: Mazhom–Baramulla section (32 km) operational.
• October 2009: Anantnag–Quazigund extended.
• June 2013: Quazigund–Banihal section opened; included the Pir Panjal Tunnel.
• July 2014: Udhampur–Katra line inaugurated.
• February 2024: Banihal–Sangaldan section operational.
• June 6, 2025: Final phase, Sangaldan–Katra, inaugurated by PM Modi.

Engineering Marvels

• Chenab Bridge: World’s highest railway bridge (359 m above riverbed).
• Anji Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.
• Pir Panjal Tunnel: India’s longest rail tunnel at 12.75 km.
• Multiple long tunnels and difficult terrain were tackled using advanced technologies and manpower.

Aim & Objectives

• Provide all-weather, reliable connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir Valley.
• Enhance strategic movement and boost socio-economic integration.
• Reduce travel time and dependency on the vulnerable Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Significance

• Provides rail connectivity to remote districts of Kashmir for the first time.
• Enhances defence logistics in a strategically sensitive region.
• Expected to boost tourism, trade, and local employment.
• Improves national unity and helps address the region’s infrastructure gaps.