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Home » RAILWAY NEWS » Srinagar Now Linked By Train Year-Round As India Completes USBRL And Launches Vande Bharat Services With Heated Interiors And Modern Amenities Thursday, June 5, 2025Srinagar is finally on track—literally—as India launches full-scale rail services to the region, marking a turning point for connectivity, commerce, and regional development. The arrival of Vande Bharat trains and the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link bring all-weather access to a region historically isolated by harsh terrain and winter closures. This milestone not only links Srinagar more closely with the rest of the country, but also opens the door to economic opportunity, seamless mobility, and long-term national integration.Kashmir is officially joining India’s railway map in a historic way, as the 272-kilometre-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) opens its full stretch to public service. With this development, the Kashmir Valley will finally have uninterrupted rail connectivity with the rest of the country throughout the year. The launch includes the unveiling of India’s most ambitious railway structures—the towering Chenab arch bridge and the state-of-the-art Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge—along with two new Vande Bharat Express train pairs designed to withstand Himalayan winters.This opening marks a breakthrough for both transportation and regional development. Until now, Kashmir’s road and air access would often be cut off in harsh winters. Now, with this weather-resilient rail corridor, travelers can expect faster, safer, and more reliable journeys across Jammu and Kashmir, no matter the season.New Vande Bharat Trains to Start Running on June 7Indian Railways is set to launch two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains on June 7, following the official inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line. Initially, the high-speed trains will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, since redevelopment work is currently underway at Jammu Tawi station as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Once the upgrades are completed, the train route will be extended to provide direct service between Jammu and Srinagar.Both pairs of Vande Bharat trains are built for tough terrain and extreme weather. Their onboard features include heated windshields, advanced heating systems, and thermally insulated interiors, allowing them to function efficiently in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. These features ensure that rail operations can continue uninterrupted, even when heavy snowfall blocks roads or airports cancel flights.Train Timings: Vande Bharat Pair One (26401/26402)Train 26404 departs from Srinagar at 8:00 AM and arrives at Katra by 10:58 AM, making a scheduled stop at Banihal at 9:02 AM along the way.Train 26402, the return journey, leaves Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrives in Katra at 4:48 PM, stopping at Banihal at 3:10 PM.This train pair runs six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.Train Timings: Vande Bharat Pair Two (26403/26404)Train 26404 begins at Srinagar at 8:00 AM and reaches Katra at 10:58 AM, stopping at Banihal at 9:02 AM.Train 26403 departs from Katra at 2:55 PM and reaches Srinagar by 5:53 PM, halting at Banihal at 4:40 PM.This pair operates six days a week, with no service on Wednesdays.USBRL: A Marvel of Modern EngineeringSpanning 272 kilometers across the formidable Himalayan terrain, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link stands as one of the most ambitious and technically challenging railway ventures in post-independence India. Developed at an investment of ₹43,780 crore, the project navigates landscapes so difficult that even building roads in the region has long been considered a monumental task.The railway route incorporates 36 tunnels spanning a total of 119 kilometers and is supported by an impressive 943 bridges. These engineering feats connect deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and winding riverbeds, creating vital passageways between remote regions and more accessible parts of the country. Prior to this, many of these areas lacked consistent, all-season transportation links.The line is more than a transportation corridor—it’s a symbol of integration and a path toward economic revival for the Kashmir Valley. The rail link now enables movement of people and goods in all seasons, reducing dependency on risky road travel and making everyday commuting faster and more efficient.Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges: Engineering Landmarks That Redefine Railway HistoryTwo of the most remarkable engineering triumphs of the USBRL project are the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge. The Chenab Bridge holds the title of the highest railway arch bridge on the planet, rising 359 meters above the Chenab River—surpassing even the height of the Eiffel Tower. Designed with resilience in mind, the structure is built to withstand strong winds, seismic activity, and intense snowfall common to the Himalayan region.The Anji Khad Bridge, on the other hand, is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge and showcases engineering adapted to steep, unstable terrain. With its asymmetrical design and deep foundation systems, the bridge holds its position firmly despite frequent weather disturbances and natural challenges.These bridges are not just transport enablers—they are monuments of innovation and resilience.Winter-Ready Trains Built for the HimalayasThe Vande Bharat trains assigned to this route are specially engineered beyond typical high-speed standards. Outfitted with features tailored for extreme winter conditions, these trains are built to maintain smooth operations and ensure passenger comfort even amid the harshest weather the region can deliver.Passengers will benefit from features such as onboard heating, thermally shielded interiors, and freeze-resistant lavatories. The coaches are equipped with plush seating, touch-free doors, real-time information displays, and onboard catering to elevate the overall travel experience.These adaptations guarantee uninterrupted service, making Kashmir’s winter months more connected than ever before.Transformational Impact on Travel, Tourism, and TradeIn addition to enhancing passenger comfort, the USBRL corridor and the newly launched Vande Bharat trains are poised to drive substantial growth in tourism and trade across the region. Whether it’s travelers exploring the Kashmir Valley, pilgrims journeying to Amarnath, students commuting for education, or merchants transporting goods, the improved rail access promises faster, more convenient, and cost-effective travel for all.Additionally, the new rail corridor will ease freight transport into and out of Kashmir, lowering costs for businesses and increasing access to markets. This could result in a stronger regional economy, job creation, and improved supply chain infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.A New Era for Indian Railways and the Kashmir RegionThe launch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link and the Vande Bharat Express trains is more than just a transport upgrade—it’s a national achievement. It connects people, supports livelihoods, and reduces isolation for millions of residents in the northernmost part of the country.Srinagar has finally joined India’s national rail network as the USBRL project and Vande Bharat trains bring year-round connectivity, breaking through decades of isolation caused by harsh terrain and extreme weather.As trains begin to roll into Srinagar and beyond, the railways are helping write a new chapter of integration, opportunity, and growth for a region long cut off by geography and weather. Now, with tracks reaching deep into the mountains, India is one step closer to building a truly inclusive transport network.
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