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.
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.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Fully Operational After 28 Years |
Total Length | 272 km |
Project Start Year | 1997 |
Final Phase Inauguration | June 6, 2025 |
Inaugurated By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
Final Operational Section | Sangaldan to Katra |
Engineering Highlights | Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, Pir Panjal Tunnel |
Longest Tunnel | 12.75 km between Banihal and Sangaldan |
Strategic Importance | Defence logistics, economic growth, Kashmir connectivity |
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