Srinagar, Apr 14: The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has proven to be a massive source of employment in Jammu & Kashmir, and has generated over 525 lakh man-days of work during its execution.
This landmark infrastructure project has not only transformed connectivity in the region but also provided a major boost to livelihoods—both directly and indirectly, officials on Monday said.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Northern Railways, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay told Rising Kashmir that in a significant move to support those impacted by land acquisition, the government implemented a policy to offer government jobs to members of families who lost more than 75% of their land to the Railways.
“Under this initiative, the Railways has provided employment to 804 eligible beneficiaries, marking a major step in rehabilitation through direct employment,” he said.
Upadhyay said that the project’s construction phase has been a major source of indirect employment. A total of 14,069 jobs were generated through project executing agencies, with a substantial 65% of these positions given to locals from Jammu & Kashmir. This reflects the project’s strong focus on local inclusion and empowerment, he added.
The spokesman also said that all the works on the USBRL project, tunneling, bridge works, electrification, track laying, electro-mechanical works are highly specialized and executed through state-of-the-art technology and methods.
“Tremendous skill development of the local artisans and workers resulted and now these workers are successfully working as trained skilled workers on other precious projects of the country,” he said.
The CPRO further said that the project sites were highly inaccessible and terrorism intensified during the period of inception. With the inception of this project, construction of access roads commenced in these remote locations.
“USBRL has constructed more than 215 km of approach roads to provide access for tunnel and bridges sites. The construction of these approach roads are very challenging in itself due to difficult climatic conditions, treacherous terrain, unstable Himalayan geology and law & order issues,” he added.
Meanwhile, mega preparations are in full swing across Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express to the Kashmir Valley on April 19.
The high-profile launch will mark the formal completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a landmark infrastructure project connecting the region with the rest of the country.
According to railway officials, massive logistical arrangements are being coordinated at Katra Railway Station, where the inaugural ceremony is expected to take place.
Teams of engineers, railway staff, and security personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth execution of the event and readiness of the route.
“Special attention is being given to passenger amenities, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for travellers. The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is poised to be a historic moment for improving connectivity and accessibility to the region,” he said.
CPRO said that trial runs for the train have already been successfully conducted, and technical inspections are underway to ensure readiness for seamless operations.
