Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first-ever Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Kashmir, heralding a historic advancement in India’s railway infrastructure. This groundbreaking train service, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, significantly reduces travel time from Katra to Srinagar to just three hours, a marked improvement from the previous road journey that lasted six to seven hours.
The Vande Bharat Express will commence commercial operations on Saturday, facilitating the first direct rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the Indian mainland. This initiative represents a substantial achievement in overcoming the region’s complex terrain and geographical challenges, which have long impeded direct railway access.
During the inauguration, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as attendees chanted slogans like “Jai Shera Wali Da” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” The introduction of this train is viewed as not merely a transportation milestone but also a catalyst for restoring normalcy and stimulating tourism in Kashmir, especially following the tragic attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 that resulted in 26 fatalities.
The ticket prices for the Katra-Srinagar route have been set at Rs 715 for chair car and Rs 1,350 for executive class. Railway spokesperson Dilip Kumar emphasized the significance of this launch, calling the Vande Bharat train “an all-weather marvel built using cutting-edge technology” and highlighting the progress in Kashmir’s infrastructure over the past 11 years.
In a show of commitment to regional integration, Prime Minister Modi simultaneously flagged off two Vande Bharat trains—one departing from Katra and another from Srinagar. This landmark occurrence underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing connectivity in the area.
In addition to the train launch, PM Modi unveiled two notable engineering feats. The Chenab Rail Bridge, recognized as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, towers 359 meters above the riverbed, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower. Spanning 1,315 meters, the bridge is designed to withstand high winds (up to 260 km/h) and seismic activity.
The second structure, the Anji Khad Bridge, is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Located approximately 80 kilometers from Jammu and constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company, it connects a critical segment over the Anji River.
The extensive 271-kilometer USBRL project includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, completed at an investment of Rs 43,780 crore. The trial runs conducted on the Chenab Bridge included participation from army and security personnel to ensure its stability, safety, and resilience against environmental stress.
With the inauguration of this railway line, Kashmir is now fully integrated into the national rail network for the first time, a development anticipated to enhance tourism, stimulate economic activity, and foster national unity. Local residents and business owners in Srinagar are optimistic that this new connectivity will attract tourists and rejuvenate the region’s economy.
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express represents a transformative milestone in India’s journey toward improved infrastructure, reshaping travel, connectivity, and developmental prospects in Kashmir.
