J-K: Security beefed up ahead of inauguration of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project

Reasi, April 12: Security measures have been hightened in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, in preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vidit for inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on April 19.Security measures have been heightened in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, in preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project on April 19.

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity (ED/IP) at the Railway Board, said that the 272-kilometre stretch, including a 119-kilometre tunnel, is a key development for the region's connectivity.

He further added, "It has been the dream of every Indian to have a train running to Kashmir. For this, we have made long preparations, and now this USBRL section is ready."

"There is a 119-kilometre tunnel in this 272-kilometre section. This entire area is very important for Kashmir's religious, tourism, and connectivity needs," he added.

He further mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the USBRL project on April 19.

"The Prime Minister is going to dedicate this entire project to the country, this will benefit the people of the country a lot. According to the planning so far, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate this project to the nation on April 19," Dilip Kumar said.

He further pointed out that on the day of its inauguration, two Vande Bharat Express trains will begin service, one running from Srinagar and the other from Katra to Srinagar.

"On the date of commencement of the project, we have planned to run two Vande Bharat Express trains. One Vande Bharat Express train will run from Srinagar, and the other will run from Katra to Srinagar," the Railway Board Executive Director said.

On January 23, Indian Railways conducted the trial run of the first Vande Bharat train from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station to the Srinagar railway station. The train will run through Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world.

This train has been designed for the cold climate conditions of the Kashmir valley.

Reader Comments

R

Rahul K.

Finally! This rail link will be a game changer for tourism in Kashmir. Can't wait to take my family on this scenic route �

P

Priya M.

The engineering behind this project is mind-blowing - especially those bridges! India's infrastructure development is really impressive these days.

A

Amit S.

While I appreciate the development, I hope the security measures don't inconvenience local residents too much. These projects should benefit everyone equally.

S

Sunita R.

My grandparents used to talk about how difficult travel to Kashmir was. This rail link will make it so accessible for pilgrims and tourists alike. Historic moment!

V

Vikram J.

The Vande Bharat trains are a great addition, but I hope they maintain affordable ticket options for regular commuters too. Not everyone can afford premium services.

N

Neha T.

That 119km tunnel sounds incredible! The engineers and workers who made this happen deserve so much recognition. Can't wait to experience this journey myself 😊

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.