The Kashmir Valley will be connected by a high-speed Vande Bharat Express train, as Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the final phase of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on 19 April 2025.
This historic development not only marks the operationalisation of one of the country’s most ambitious rail corridors but also opens a new chapter of sustainable connectivity between Kanyakumari and Kashmir—spanning the entire length of the subcontinent. The final stretch, the 272-kilometre Katra-Sangaldan section, will enable two Vande Bharat trains to run in the Kashmir Valley—one originating from Katra and the other from Srinagar. This phase passes through some of the most challenging yet awe-inspiring terrain, including the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge and the record-breaking Chenab Bridge—the highest railway arch bridge in the world. The USBRL project also includes 119 kilometres of tunnel infrastructure, underlining the engineering feat achieved by Indian Railways. The route will connect key transit points like Reasi, Banihal, Kanjigund, and Anantnag before culminating in Srinagar.
The Vande Bharat trains introduced on this route have been designed to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of Kashmir, including heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. Their introduction represents a vital link in India’s effort to integrate the Himalayan region into the mainstream economy while focusing on eco-sensitive transport infrastructure. These modern trains will not only bring down travel time significantly but also offer comfort, safety, and speed that were long missing in this strategic corridor.
From a socioeconomic standpoint, the commencement of this service is poised to boost tourism, pilgrimage traffic, and trade across Jammu and Kashmir. With Katra already established as a key pilgrimage destination due to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the extended rail link is expected to channel a fresh wave of tourists into Kashmir, particularly during the spring and summer months. Additionally, the enhanced rail access opens up new livelihood opportunities for local residents and entrepreneurs, supporting India’s larger goal of equitable regional development.
Ticket pricing is projected to be between ₹1500 and ₹1700 for the AC Chair Car and ₹2400 to ₹2600 for the Executive Chair Car, making it a relatively affordable premium service for tourists and local travellers alike. The fare structure reflects a balance between cost recovery and public utility, especially in a region where development has historically lagged due to topographical and geopolitical complexities.
The significance of this launch transcends infrastructural milestones. It is deeply emotional for many Indians, particularly for Kashmiris who have waited for decades to be woven into the national rail grid. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train is not just a symbol of national unity and technological progress, but also a strong statement of faith in building greener, more inclusive, and sustainable mobility solutions in regions where development has been a long-pending aspiration.
While political undertones around the event may surface, the focus remains on India’s evolving infrastructure strategy that places sustainability, speed, and equity at its core. With the full commissioning of the USBRL project, the dream of a truly connected India—north to south, plain to peak—is on the rails, quite literally.
Vande Bharat trains to connect Kashmir valley
