Vande Bharat Express set to transform Kashmir rail travel

Srinagar, Mar 02: The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is set to be inaugurated soon, marking a significant milestone in the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The train will be flagged off from the Katra railway sta-tion, officials confirmed.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay told Rising Kashmir that preparations for the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir are in full swing, though the exact date and time of the inauguration are yet to be finalised. He added that the USBRL inauguration is expected to take place before the completion of modernisation work at Jammu Railway Station. Once the final schedule is confirmed, it will be shared with the media.
“Preparations for the inauguration are progressing well, and we are ensuring everything is ready. The train service is poised to revolutionise connectivity to the region,” Upadhyay said.
The Vande Bharat Express is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, providing a safe and comfortable travel experience, particularly during Kashmir’s harsh winters. “This train is built to handle extreme weather, ensuring smooth travel even in the coldest months. It will en-hance both safety and comfort for passengers,” Upadhyay noted.
Officials also highlighted that stations along the route are undergoing significant upgrades, in-cluding strengthened security measures and final safety checks on the tracks and train systems. Special attention is being given to passenger amenities to ensure a smooth and pleasant experi-ence for travellers.
“The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is poised to be a historic moment for the region, significantly improving connectivity and accessibility,” Upadhyay added.
The 326-km railway line between Katra and Baramulla traverses challenging mountainous terrain and features the highest rail bridge in the world, spanning the Chenab River in Reasi district. The line also includes numerous long and short tunnels. The Rs 41,000 crore project was completed in December 2024, with the Vande Bharat Express expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming months.
In addition, the modernisation of Jammu Tawi railway station is progressing rapidly and is ex-pected to be completed by July 2025. The project aims to enhance passenger amenities, improve infrastructure, and meet modern standards.
Four Amrit Stations—Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Udhampur—are also being developed at a cost of ₹292.5 crore. The infrastructure upgrades include six new rail flyovers and under-bridges. Passenger amenities at stations have significantly improved since 2014, with the addition of five lifts, six escalators, and Wi-Fi at 28 stations.
Currently, two Vande Bharat trains are operational, covering three districts with four unique stoppages in Jammu & Kashmir.
Earlier in February 2025, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that passengers will need to undergo transshipment at Katra railway station once the commercial operation begins for the Srinagar line. He confirmed that all tests on the USBRL have been completed, and the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has submitted its report, which is under evaluation.