Connecting Kashmir to the National Economy: The Jammu-Baramulla Railway Line

The completion of the Jammu-Baramulla railway line in Kashmir marks a historic achievement in engineering and a fulfillment of a long-standing promise between the Indian state and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Spanning 272 km, the railway line connects places such as Sopore, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Banihal to the national economy, fostering a sense of belonging and shared development in a region marked by conflict. The railway line offers a quieter story of shared work, patience, and progress, shifting the conversation towards connection and common purpose.

The completion of the Jammu-Baramulla railway line in Kashmir marks a historic achievement in engineering and a fulfillment of a long-standing promise between the Indian state and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Spanning 272 km, the railway line connects places such as Sopore, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Banihal to the national economy, fostering a sense of belonging and shared development in a region marked by conflict. The railway line offers a quieter story of shared work, patience, and progress, shifting the conversation towards connection and common purpose.

The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, establishing seamless rail connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. This transformative step integrates the region into the national rail grid and opens new avenues for development, tourism, and logistics in one of India’s most challenging terrains [1].

The USBRL has brought about significant improvements in track maintenance and coach upgrades. Modern track equipment, such as tamping machines and ballast cleaning machines, has been deployed to enhance operational efficiency and safety. The introduction of advanced technologies like Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) has provided critical data to fine-tune maintenance efforts [1].

The launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar has revolutionized travel in the Valley. This high-speed train service offers faster, more reliable, and more comfortable transportation for passengers in the newly connected region. The entry of the Vande Bharat into the Valley symbolizes the broader modernization sweeping across Indian Railways [1].

Coach maintenance has also entered a new era. Before USBRL, coaches had to be transported via road for maintenance, which was time-consuming and inefficient. Now, with USBRL operational, coaches from the Kashmir Valley are being moved via rail for maintenance, ushering in a new era of operational ease and efficiency [1].

The completion of the Jammu-Baramulla railway line is part of a broader national strategy to modernize track infrastructure. As of early 2025, 78% of railway tracks now support speeds of 110 kmph or more, up from 39% in 2014, despite the massive expansion of the network from 79,342 km to over 1 lakh km [1].

The government is also pushing ahead with a major tourism revival initiative in Jammu and Kashmir. A combination of new investments, infrastructure upgrades, and promotional outreach is being deployed to unlock the region’s full tourism potential and boost economic growth. The initiative seeks to portray Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, attractive, and year-round destination for both domestic and international tourists [3].

The railway line is expected to boost the tourism sector by providing enhanced convenience and ease of transportation for passengers and devotees visiting the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The Final Location Survey (FLS) for the construction of an additional new railway line between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra has been approved [2].

The completion of the Jammu-Baramulla railway line is a testament to India's commitment to inclusive development, national unity, and technological progress. It brings Kashmir closer than ever before to the heart of New India, fostering a sense of shared purpose and progress.

References:
[1] https://www.facebook.com/RSBPrayagraj/posts/indianrailways-brings-historic-transformation-to-jammu-kashmir-with-usbrl-modern/1151583980323657/
[2] https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/railways/new-railway-line-approved-for-jammu-to-vaishno-devi-katra-to-boost-pilgrim-travel/123013297
[3] https://risingkashmir.com/jk-tourism-sector-set-for-major-revival-with-centres-support/