Srinagar, Dec 05 (KINS): The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has created over 5 crore man-days of employment and significantly strengthened rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Vaishnaw said the project has delivered major economic benefits to the region.
“The project has helped apple farmers transport their produce across the country. Besides improving connectivity and easing passenger movement to Kashmir, it has also facilitated the transport of commodities like cement into the Valley,” he said.
The newly commissioned 272 km USBRL project connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, covering the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla.
Describing it as one of independent India’s most challenging railway projects, the Minister highlighted that the route passes through the young Himalayan ranges—an area known for difficult geology and engineering complexities.
Key milestones of the project include:World’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab in Reasi, measuring 1,315 m with a 467 m arch span and standing 359 m above the riverbed.
India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge over Anji Khad, with a bridge deck 331 m above the riverbed and a 193 m main pylon.
Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Impact
As part of the project, Indian Railways constructed over 215 km of approach roads, including a tunnel and more than 320 small bridges, substantially improving connectivity for local communities.
The project has generated more than 5 crore man-days of employment, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the region.
Following the commissioning of the project: Four Vande Bharat Express trains have been introduced between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar.
Six DEMU/MEMU pairs now operate between Qazigund and Srinagar.Five DEMU/MEMU pairs cater to the Srinagar–Baramulla sector.
The all-weather rail link has boosted tourism, eased passenger movement, and enabled smoother transportation of essential goods into the Valley.
To further improve connectivity in Kashmir, Railways has completed surveys and prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for: Baramulla–Uri new line (46 km) Banihal–Baramulla doubling (118 km)
The Minister said further progress depends on approvals from state governments, NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, as part of an ongoing appraisal process.The information was shared in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.(KINS)
