CRS Completes Final Inspection of Katra-Banihal Rail Link, Historic First Direct Train Service Between Kashmir and India Soon

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has successfully concluded the final inspection of the Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, one of the most challenging segments of the rail project. This is the most important step towards making the 111 km stretch fully operational.

 

 

 

The inspection, carried out on January 8, 2025, involved high-speed trial runs in both directions, with trains reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h. The section is notable for its complex design, with 97 km running through tunnels and 7 km covered by 4 bridges. It features key highlights, such as the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed bridge over the Anji River.

 

 

This rail link will provide all-weather connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir and will also boost regional development. Once operational, it will facilitate the launch of the Vande Bharat Express. This train, specially designed to withstand extreme cold conditions with anti-freezing features, will enhance connectivity and promote faster, more efficient travel.

 

 

This train will significantly cut down travel time, reducing the journey between New Delhi and Srinagar to just 13 hours, and between Jammu and Srinagar to only 4 hours and 30 minutes.

 

 

 

Later this month, Prime Minister Modi is set to inaugurate the historic first direct train service between Kashmir and the rest of India. On January 6, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new Railway Division, which he inaugurated virtually from Delhi at Jammu.

 

 

The completion of this rail link and the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express will be a major push for infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, improving transportation options, promoting tourism, and strengthening the region’s connectivity with the rest of the country.