The Indian Railways is gearing up to launch regular train services between Reasi and Baramulla, potentially on August 15 to coincide with Independence Day celebrations, although an official date is yet to be confirmed.
Trial runs between Sangaldan and Reasi have been successfully conducted multiple times, with safety trials also completed under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railways Safety. Presently, train services are operational between Sangaldan and Baramulla. With the Sangaldan-Reasi track now ready, trains will extend their service from Reasi to Baramulla.
Efforts are ongoing to operationalize the Katra-Reasi track, which remains the final link to fully connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country by rail. Officials anticipate its completion soon, possibly before the launch of services between Reasi and Baramulla.
The challenging USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project, featuring long tunnels and the world’s highest rail bridge, stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess under the Make-in-India initiative. The expected commissioning of the 46 km electrified route will cover 255 km of the total 272 km USBRL project, leaving only a 17 km stretch between Katra and Reasi to be finished.
In a recent milestone, Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of an 8-coach MEMU train between Sangaldan and Reasi, crossing the newly constructed Chenab Bridge at a speed of 40 kmph. This achievement is pivotal for integrating the Kashmir valley with Jammu through a reliable transportation alternative.
The upcoming train service is poised to enhance social integration by facilitating easier movement of passengers and goods, fostering cultural exchanges, regional development, and boosting economic activities such as tourism and trade.
The USBRL project aims to solidify connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, spanning a 272 km rail route from Udhampur to Baramulla, thus integrating the valley into the extensive Indian Railways network.
