India’s rail network, long hailed as a thread weaving together the diverse landscapes and cultures of the nation, has achieved a new milestone in engineering excellence and regional connectivity.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a flagship project in Jammu and Kashmir, now features the country’s longest railway tunnel, stretching an extraordinary 12.77 kilometres. This subterranean link, cutting through the mountainous terrain of the Pir Panjal range, is more than a passage—it is a symbol of integration and resilience, laying the groundwork for more inclusive, sustainable, and carbon-efficient rail transport in northern India. Constructed with the advanced New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), the tunnel forms a vital portion of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, pushing the USBRL project closer to its ambitious goal of enabling uninterrupted train travel from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari at the southern tip. Northern Railways officials affirm that the tunnel not only enhances regional access but also marks a significant leap toward reducing the carbon footprint of inter-regional transport. Given its strategic placement, the tunnel offers a low-emission alternative to road travel in the region, which is often vulnerable to landslides, heavy snowfall, and seasonal disruption.
Crucially, this railway route doesn’t merely connect cities—it traverses through a landscape revered for its ecological and cultural richness. By investing in underground infrastructure that respects the contours of the land rather than disrupting them, Indian Railways has taken a step forward in harmonising infrastructure development with environmental sensitivity. The tunnel complements India’s growing commitment to decarbonise its transport systems and enhance resilience in remote geographies without compromising scenic or cultural integrity. Alongside this monumental passage, the USBRL corridor also showcases another engineering marvel—the twin tunnel connecting Pai-Khad to Anji Khad. Spanning approximately 5.099 kilometres, the twin tunnels are designed with both train movement and emergency safety in mind. Built within Sirban dolomite formations, the two tubes are connected by cross-passages every 375 metres, facilitating swift evacuation in case of emergencies and ensuring passenger safety remains paramount. This segment is also linked to India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, reinforcing the technical sophistication of the entire route.
The socio-economic impact of these tunnels will unfold over time. For a region like Jammu and Kashmir, which has faced historical isolation and logistical constraints, these rail links are transformative. They promise smoother movement of goods and people, fostering tourism, commerce, and social integration. From a broader national perspective, this is a critical artery for strategic mobility and equitable development. As India continues its march towards sustainable urbanisation and zero-carbon mobility, such infrastructure projects are not just feats of engineering—they are affirmations of India’s commitment to inclusive and green growth. While the trains are yet to run from the Valley to Kanyakumari in one seamless journey, the completion of these crucial segments has already made a bold statement: that connectivity, when aligned with ecological mindfulness and regional aspirations, can drive the future of a more united and sustainable India.
Kashmir tunnel reshapes Indian rail journey
