Jammu: The people of Jammu and Kashmir are about to experience faster and more comfortable train travel with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar. This new train will significantly cut down travel time and raise the standard of rail travel in the region. More than just a new service, it represents the remarkable progress made in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway system over the past 11 years.
On June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate this achievement. He will inaugurate the new Vande Bharat trains and also open two extraordinary railway bridges, the Chenab Rail Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Chenab and Anji Khad bridges
The Chenab Rail Bridge stands tall at 359 meters above the Chenab riverbed — 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. This steel arch bridge is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and shows India’s engineering skills. Built to last 120 years and withstand strong winds and harsh weather, the bridge is a major step toward better connectivity. With the Vande Bharat Express running on it, travel time between Katra and Srinagar will reduce to about three hours, saving two to three hours from the current journey.
Not far from the Chenab Bridge is the Anji Khad Bridge. It is the first cable-stayed railway bridge in India, rising 331 meters above the river valley and stretching 725 meters across. Anchored by 96 strong cables, this bridge was completed in just 11 months. It was built with heavy-duty steel to resist earthquakes, strong winds, and unstable mountain geology. This bridge will improve travel and bring new economic opportunities to the region.
USBRL and modern trains
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is one of India’s most challenging railway projects, costing Rs 43,780 crore and covering 272 kilometers through the Himalayas. The project includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, connecting remote areas to the national railway network. It has opened up new possibilities for mobility, trade, and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The new Vande Bharat Express is specially designed for the cold Himalayan winters. It can run smoothly even in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Features like heated windshields, advanced heating systems, and insulated toilets ensure passengers travel comfortably year-round. A snow removal train clears tracks ahead to keep the service running even during heavy snowfall. Seismic dampers reduce the impact of earthquakes, making journeys safer.
Steady progress over 11 years
Over the last decade, the government has taken many steps to improve rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2014, the Udhampur-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail section was opened, allowing easier access to the famous shrine. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station was modernized with new platforms and passenger facilities.
In 2014, the Shri Shakti AC Superfast Express was launched, connecting New Delhi with Katra to provide pilgrims faster travel options. More recently, in 2024, a new rail line and the valley’s first electric train were introduced between Banihal and Baramulla, further expanding the rail network.
By early 2025, the Banihal-Katra rail section was near completion, promising full train connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley soon. Jammu station is also being upgraded with modern facilities and eight platforms to enhance the travel experience.
New Jammu Railway Division and electrification
To better manage railway operations, a new Jammu Railway Division was created in January 2025. It covers Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Punjab, supporting key goods terminals for smoother transport of essentials like food grains, cement, and coal.
Jammu and Kashmir have also achieved 100% electrification of railway tracks, making train travel more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, important stations including Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Katra, and Udhampur are being redeveloped to offer world-class amenities.
