The Chenab Bridge, stretching 1,315 metres, with a 467-m arch and standing 359 m above the river, rises about 35 m higher than the Eiffel Tower 
Government & Politics

Last frontier

Kashmir joins India’s rail map

Rakesh Joshi

It has been a long wait. But Jammu & Kashmir will be finally connected to the rest of the country by rail, offering a smoother alternative to the arduous road journey through tough terrains. The long-awaited development comes after years of engineering challenges and political uncertainty that stymied the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) railway project, one of the most ambitious railway projects undertaken in independent India.

The USBRL project will provide year-round, uninterrupted connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the rest of India, ending the region’s long-standing isolation due to the fair-weather Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The improved connectivity is viewed to lay the groundwork for economic growth, broader market access and stronger socio-economic integration between the region and the rest of the country.

Supporting this route is a snow removal train that goes in front to clear the tracks, ensuring year-round services. Seismic dampers have also been installed to absorb tremors, offering a safer and smoother journey in this high-risk zone.

A rail line makes a lot of sense for Kashmir, which is prone to landslides and highway closures. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), a lifeline for goods and passengers, frequently shuts down during inclement weather, causing delays, shortages of essential goods and price surges in the valley. “It will cut transport costs by 70 per cent and end the uncertainty caused by highway closures,” says Faiz Bakshi, general secretary, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “This is a big move for students, traders and the tourism sector.”

Indeed, rail connectivity would help increase tourist inflow, especially during peak seasons, when airfares typically surge. Businessmen are hoping that freight trains will be introduced to support trade and logistics in the region. “We have been waiting for the completion of this project for many years,” acknowledged Qazi Touseef, spokesperson for the Kashmir Economic Alliance. “It will certainly give a boost to our businesses”. 

According to the J&K Economic Survey 2022-23, the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Jammu & Kashmir is projected to grow at 8 per cent annually, compared to the national average of 7 per cent. The government aims to double the GSDP over the next five years, with the railway now playing a key role in boosting agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu & Kashmir on 6 June, to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge and flag off Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar. It will be his first visit to the region since Operation Sindoor and thus will carry a political message. As J&K is strategically positioned and shares borders with Pakistan and China, the all-weather connectivity to this region is vital for national security, prosperity and socio-economic development. Experts have identified lack of connectivity as one of the factors hindering development, saying the completion of the line will act as a catalyst for the overall development of the region. As restless youngsters get jobs, this could put the brakes on home-grown militancy.

Decades of delays

The 272-km USBRL, sanctioned in 1994-95 at an estimated cost of Rs37,012 crore, has faced decades of delays, due to regional instability and challenging geological and topographical conditions. The project was completed at a cost of about Rs43,780 crore. It features 36 tunnels (stretching 119 km) and 943 bridges.

Once operational, the Chenab Bridge will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by 2-3 hours

The Chenab Bridge, stretching 1,315 metres, with a 467-m arch and standing 359 m above the river, rises about 35 m higher than the Eiffel Tower. It is billed as the highest railway arch bridge in the world.  After the inauguration of the bridge, Modi will visit and inaugurate the Anji Bridge too. He will flag off Vande Bharat Train. He will also dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the nation.

Once operational, the Chenab Bridge will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by 2-3 hours. Notably, trains running on the bridge, such as the Vande Bharat Express, will offer a travel time of just about three hours between Katra and Srinagar.

To support construction of this rail line in the rugged, militancy-affected terrain, more than 215 km of approach roads were built, many in areas previously accessible only by foot or boat. This, in turn, improved infrastructure and has already transformed the lives of about 150,000 people in 70 remote villages, such as Dugga, Surukot, Sawalkot, Khari and Hingni. These areas have seen the emergence of marketplaces, eateries and repair shops, significantly boosting local livelihoods.