Modi to Visit World’s Highest Rail Bridge, Address Public Rally in Katra
Jammu to Get Direct Train Connectivity to Kashmir by August
Jammu, March 26 – The long-awaited dream of a direct train to Kashmir is finally becoming a reality. On April 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first-ever train service from Katra to Baramulla, marking a historic milestone in India’s railway expansion. The event, set to take place at the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine, will witness the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah among other dignitaries.
This monumental achievement comes after decades of anticipation and follows the successful completion of safety trials and infrastructure clearances. Currently, train services are operational between Sangaldan and Baramulla, while connectivity from other parts of India is limited to Katra.
PM Modi to Inspect Engineering Marvel – Chenab Rail Bridge
Before inaugurating the train service, PM Modi will visit the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. The bridge, an engineering marvel, has gained global recognition for its structural brilliance. Railways officials will brief the Prime Minister on the bridge’s construction and strategic importance.
Following the inspection, Modi will arrive in Katra to officially flag off the train to Kashmir and address a public rally before returning to Delhi.
Train Expansion Plans: Jammu to Get Connectivity by August
Initially, the train will run between Katra and Baramulla. However, once the Jammu Railway Station expansion is completed—expected by July-August—the service will be extended to Jammu, providing better accessibility for travelers from across the country.
“There will be no direct train from Delhi or other states to Kashmir as of now,” sources confirmed. Passengers will deboard at Katra and switch to the Kashmir-bound train. Once the service shifts to Jammu, a similar process will be followed from there. Official details regarding the schedule and operations will be announced soon.
Security & Safety Measures in Place
Ensuring a smooth and secure launch, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, along with Railway Board Chairman and Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), recently reviewed security arrangements in Katra. Extensive trial runs, including tests for the Vande Bharat Express, have been successfully conducted, confirming operational readiness.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, spanning 272 kilometers, has been developed in phases over the past decade. The latest stretch—17 kilometers between Reasi and Katra—was completed three months ago, paving the way for this launch.
Kashmir to Get Specially Designed Vande Bharat Express
In a major boost for railway infrastructure in the region, Kashmir will receive a specially designed Vande Bharat Express, connecting Katra and Srinagar. This semi-high-speed train, manufactured by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), comes equipped with anti-freezing technology and can operate efficiently in extreme temperatures as low as -20°C.
For enhanced passenger security, the train will feature CCTV cameras, an Emergency Talk Back Unit, and shatterproof windows. While it won’t have bulletproof windows, advanced safety features will ensure a secure travel experience.
With an investment of ₹41,000 crore, the USBRL project is set to revolutionize connectivity, bringing economic growth, tourism, and development to the Kashmir Valley. The countdown has begun for April 19, when history will be made as the first train finally chugs into Kashmir, connecting it with the rest of India like never before.
