Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, marking a key step in boosting rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.
The launch of these high-speed trains is seen as a significant achievement in improving transportation infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Before the official flag-off, PM Modi interacted with school children onboard the train and engaged with railway staff members present during the event.
The new Vande Bharat services will cut the travel time between Katra and Srinagar to approximately three hours, a major improvement over the 6–7 hour road journey.
Designed to offer speed, comfort, and dependability, the trains cater to the needs of residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
The route includes crossings over two iconic structures – the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Railway Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world.
Engineers specially designed these Vande Bharat trains to operate efficiently in the cold climate of the Kashmir Valley.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated both the Chenab Railway Bridge and the Anji Bridge in Reasi district – two major feats of engineering under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.
A Symbolic Gesture At Chenab Bridge
In a symbolic moment during the inauguration, the Prime Minister walked along the deck of the Chenab Bridge while waving the national flag, the Tiranga.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the event.
Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi conducted an inspection of the Chenab Railway Bridge.
Both the Anji and Chenab bridges are part of the ambitious USBRL project, which aims to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network.
The Chenab Bridge, located on the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, stands 359 meters above the riverbed, making it the highest railway arch bridge in the world.
It will enable direct train connectivity between New Delhi and Kashmir via Katra, marking a historic moment in the region’s transportation evolution.
The project overcame significant hurdles, including challenging terrain and seismic risks, ultimately resulting in a structure that reflects India’s engineering strength and commitment to inclusive progress.
This marks a turning point in the region’s infrastructure, promising better connectivity, economic upliftment, and stronger social integration.
Indian Railways built the 272-kilometre USBRL project at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore.
It includes 36 tunnels covering 119 kilometres and 943 bridges, creating an all-weather rail corridor that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, driving transformative change in regional mobility and economic development.
Also Read: PM Modi Unveils Chenab & Anji Bridges; Marks New Rail Era In Jammu And Kashmir
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