Indian Railways has escalated security measures across the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a critical infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir.
As part of a strategic response, railway authorities have conducted a comprehensive inspection of key tunnels and bridges, including some of the country’s most challenging engineering works. According to officials from Northern Railway, the inspection, led by senior personnel from the project and security wings, was focused on reviewing the readiness of the line’s most sensitive and strategically vital stretches. These include the Chenab Bridge—the world’s tallest railway arch bridge at 359 metres—the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the 12.77-kilometre T-50 tunnel, India’s longest transportation tunnel.
The inspection tour follows a decision to heighten vigilance across infrastructure nodes deemed susceptible to sabotage or disturbance. Officials confirmed that trains currently operate on the 184-km stretch between Sangaldan and Baramulla, as well as the 25-km Udhampur-Katra segment. However, the 63-kilometre Katra-Sangaldan stretch—despite its physical completion—remains unopened due to delayed inauguration. The originally planned flag-off of a new Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar was recently postponed due to weather conditions. Security has been ramped up along the entire 111-km Katra-Banihal section, where 87 per cent of the track runs through tunnels. With eight major tunnels spanning between 5 km and nearly 13 km, this segment presents both a logistical marvel and a unique security challenge. Officials confirmed that additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel have been deployed across tunnel sites, bridges, and passenger circulation areas. Surveillance has also been intensified through continuous CCTV monitoring.
“In light of the recent incident, a coordinated effort is in place between the RPF, GRP and local law enforcement agencies. Inputs are being shared hourly, and monitoring of tunnel security footage is now a 24×7 operation,” an official confirmed. The bolstered security presence aims to assure both passengers and citizens as tourism in the Valley begins to peak and strategic connectivity gains renewed national focus. The Kashmir rail corridor, when fully operational, is expected to significantly improve accessibility, reduce road congestion, and bolster environmentally sustainable transportation across the region.
The rail infrastructure in the region is particularly vital given the topographical challenges and limited road-based mobility during winter months. Beyond being a transportation milestone, the USBRL is viewed as a cornerstone of the government’s inclusive development strategy, aiming to integrate the Kashmir Valley with broader economic activities across the country. Railway officials also noted that recent attacks have necessitated not only physical security interventions but also psychological reassurance to tourists and local commuters. A special one-way evacuation train from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi was operated shortly after the attack to facilitate the safe return of visitors. Another special reserved train was scheduled to depart the following morning to meet ongoing evacuation demand.
The urgency with which these security checks and contingency services have been rolled out reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to operational safety, national security, and the seamless continuity of essential infrastructure. This recalibration comes at a crucial time when India’s infrastructure roadmap is increasingly emphasising resilience, climate adaptation, and equitable access—especially in frontier and ecologically fragile zones like Jammu and Kashmir. While concerns remain about ensuring uninterrupted service delivery in the face of regional volatility, the railway administration appears poised to meet the moment with enhanced preparedness. The unfolding efforts reinforce the significance of infrastructure as not just a means of connectivity, but as a foundational pillar of societal trust and national unity.
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