Kashmir rejoices over completion of Delhi-Srinagar rail link
The introduction of rail connectivity represents a new era of possibilities for Jammu & Kashmir (Photo: Suhail Khan)
After two decades of planning and construction, the much-anticipated Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, marking a historic milestone for the people of Kashmir. This momentous development promises to enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, and revolutionise transportation in the region, bringing Kashmir closer to the rest of India.
The excitement is palpable across the region, as the rail link is set to bridge the gap between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, bringing with it the promise of greater connectivity, economic growth, and convenience. After years of waiting, the residents are overjoyed that their dream of a seamless rail connection to the outside world is now a reality. Kashmiris have long been hopeful about the day when their region would finally be connected by rail, and for many, today feels like that long-awaited dream is finally coming true.
For the people of Kashmir, the introduction of rail connectivity represents a new era of possibilities. Locals express their joy and optimism, knowing that the train service will make travel safer, faster, and more affordable. The first Vande Bharat train connecting Delhi to Srinagar is expected to be inaugurated later this month, on January 26, and will be a game-changer for the region.
A local resident, Zainab Tariq, 27-year-old a student of Kashmir University in Srinagar, shares her excitement.
“For years, we have been cut off from the rest of the country, with limited transportation options. The rail link will change all that. It will make travel easier for students like me, who often have to deal with high airfares. This project means a lot to us it is about connecting with our roots and with India in a more tangible way,” Tariq tells Media India Group.
Zainab Tariq
Kashmiri people are optimistic about the future, seeing this project as a source of new opportunities and employment. The impact of this railway line extends beyond improved connectivity it is seen as a beacon of hope for local livelihoods and economic prosperity.
“This railway project is more than just a transportation system for us. For years, we have struggled with limited job opportunities, and many of us have had to rely on seasonal work or small-scale businesses to make ends meet. With the construction and eventual operation of this rail network, there will be new job openings. This is a golden opportunity for the younger generation, who will have a steady source of income and career growth. Not only will it improve the lives of individuals, but it will also strengthen our economy as a whole, providing a livelihood for many who have been waiting for such a breakthrough. I truly believe that this development will open doors for us that we never thought possible,” Waseem Ahmed, a student from Baramulla, tells Media India Group.
As the long-awaited railway project nears completion, emotions are running high among locals who have spent decades hoping for this day. For many, the arrival of the rail link feels like a dream come true. Nazir Wani, a resident of Srinagar, shares his thoughts on the significance of this long-anticipated development.
“We have heard about this project for as long as I can remember, but it always seemed like something that would never actually happen in our lifetimes. Growing up, my father used to talk about the day when Kashmir would be connected by rail, and back then, it seemed so far-fetched. But now, seeing it unfold in front of us, it feels surreal. This is not just a practical improvement it is a dream that we never thought we would live to see. For me, it is an emotional moment. To think that future generations of Kashmiris will be able to travel freely and easily to other parts of India is something I never imagined I would witness. This rail link is a symbol of progress, and we are proud to be part of it. It gives us hope for a better, more connected future,” Wani tells Media India Group.
For decades, the people of Kashmir have faced the challenges of expensive flights and treacherous road travel, often finding themselves cut off from the rest of the country. The news of the rail link has brought immense joy, as it promises to make travel more affordable, efficient, and safe.
“For years, we have struggled with the high cost of flights and the difficulties of traveling by road. This train service will change everything for us. It will make travel affordable and accessible for all, not just the privileged few. This is a big deal for the people of Kashmir,” Ahmad adds.
Shagufta Hussain
Shagufta Hussain, 29-year-old business women, believes that the rail link will also bring economic benefits.
“This railway line is a game-changer for businesses like mine. It is going to revolutionise the way we do business in Kashmir. For years, transporting goods has been a costly and time-consuming process, with high expenses for road transport and limited options. But with this new rail link, transportation will become much faster, more reliable, and significantly cheaper. This will open up new markets for us, allowing us to expand our reach beyond the region and tap into national and international markets. For the people of Kashmir, this is not just a convenience, it is an opportunity for growth, job creation, and economic development. We have waited a long time for this, and now that it is finally happening, it feels like a new chapter in our economic journey is beginning,” Hussain tells Media India Group.
The excitement surrounding the new railway connection extends beyond the people of Kashmir. Residents of other parts of the country are also equally thrilled about this development, as it is expected to make travel to the Kashmir Valley more affordable and accessible.
“I have always wanted to visit Kashmir, but the airfares are so high that it was never an option for me. And the road conditions weren’t great either, so I never felt comfortable taking that long journey. But now, I am just waiting for the day I can book my train ticket. I can’t wait to experience Kashmir and travel there without worrying about the cost or the travel hassle. This rail link is going to open up the beauty of Kashmir to so many people like me. It is such an exciting moment,” Sonu Singh, a resident of Delhi, tells Media India Group.
A Dream Decades in the Making
The vision of connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by rail dates back to 1994 when the project was first officially sanctioned. This was the beginning of a long and arduous journey to bring the dream of a seamless railway network to the region, a dream that had been in the minds of many for decades. However, the road to actualising this dream was far from easy. It involved years of careful planning, overcoming immense logistical challenges, and navigating the region’s difficult and rugged terrain. The challenges were compounded by political factors, security concerns, and the sheer scale of the engineering work required to make this ambitious project a reality.
Despite these obstacles, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project gradually began to take shape. The first milestone came in 2009 with the inauguration of the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla stretch, bringing the northernmost part of Kashmir into the railway network for the first time. This was followed by the completion of the Banihal-Qazigund stretch in 2013 and the Udhampur-Katra section in 2014. These early successes were crucial steps in the broader vision of connecting the entire region via rail, but the final phase the Katra-Banihal stretch remained the most challenging and awaited part of the project.
Now, as the final phase nears completion, the USBRL project is set to transform the region’s transportation landscape. The full rail link will span a total of 272 km, with a network that includes 38 tunnels and 927 bridges some of which are engineering marvels in their own right. Among these is the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, which stands at an 359 metres above the Chenab River in Reasi. This bridge, along with the other infrastructural feats of the project, represents the incredible engineering prowess that has gone into the making of this railway line.
The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line will not only provide much-needed connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, which has long been isolated due to its geographical challenges, but it will also serve as a catalyst for economic development. Improved transport links will drive growth in key sectors such as trade, tourism, and industry, which will ultimately benefit the region’s residents. The rail link is expected to open up new markets for local businesses, make travel more affordable and accessible for residents, and bring more tourists to the Valley, boosting its economy.
This railway line is poised to be a transformative force in Jammu and Kashmir, reshaping not only the way people travel but also the broader economic and social landscape. After more than two decades of dedication and hard work, the USBRL project is on the verge of delivering a new era of connectivity for Kashmir a legacy of progress and hope for future generations.
As Modi’s virtual inauguration marks a new chapter for Kashmir, the anticipation grows. The first Vande Bharat train, which will connect Delhi to Srinagar, is set to begin operations later this month, further enhancing the region’s connectivity. The people of Kashmir, who have waited so long for this moment, are now looking forward to the brighter, more connected future that the rail link promises to bring.
