Srinagar : The highly anticipated Kashmir Rail Link, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is set to become operational by January 2025. This development will establish seamless train connectivity between New Delhi and Srinagar for the first time.
The service will feature the high-speed Vande Bharat Sleeper train, offering a journey of less than 13 hours. Passengers will board in Delhi at 7:00 PM and reach Srinagar by 8:00 AM. The train will provide three classes—AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, and AC 3 Tier—with ticket prices ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000. It is designed with modern amenities and enhanced sleeper facilities for a comfortable travel experience.
Key stations on the route include Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Jammu Tawi, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The project is expected to boost tourism, trade, and connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
“Tourism, a key driver of Kashmir’s economy, stands to benefit immensely from the operationalization of the USBRL,” read an editorial in a local daily. “The scenic route, passing through Anantnag, Awantipora, Pampore, and other stations, presents a unique opportunity to highlight the natural beauty of the region.”
The USBRL project is a significant engineering achievement, featuring advanced bridges and tunnels through challenging terrain. It highlights the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure in the region, with hopes of driving socio-economic growth and improving travel for tourists, residents, and pilgrims.
