In a historic moment for railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the region’s first Vande Bharat Express on April 19, 2025. This marks a significant step in enhancing transportation infrastructure, linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through a modern, high-speed train service.
The inauguration ceremony will take place at Katra railway station, as the Jammu railway station is currently under renovation. The train will operate along the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL), a 272-kilometer-long railway project that has been in development for several years. The completion of this project is expected to boost tourism, trade, and economic growth in the region.
Before the launch, PM Modi will visit Udhampur to inspect the Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway bridge, standing at 359 meters above the river Chenab. The bridge is a key feature of the USBRL project and is considered an engineering marvel, being taller than the Eiffel Tower. Following the inspection, the Prime Minister will proceed to Katra for the official flag-off ceremony of the new train service.
The Vande Bharat Express will significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, providing a faster, more comfortable, and all-weather transportation alternative compared to the often-blocked Jammu-Srinagar highway. The train will be equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, bio-toilets, and an advanced infotainment system, offering passengers a seamless and luxurious travel experience.
The new railway line is expected to provide year-round connectivity, unaffected by snowfall or landslides, which frequently disrupt road travel. It is also anticipated to increase tourist inflow into Kashmir, benefiting the local economy and generating new employment opportunities in the region.
With the launch of this train, the Indian Railways is set to make history by bringing semi-high-speed rail connectivity to Kashmir for the first time. The event on April 19 is expected to witness the presence of senior railway officials, political leaders, and a large public gathering, marking a major milestone in the region’s development.
