New Delhi

A direct Delhi-Kashmir train journey may have to wait, apparently due to security concerns, but a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 272- km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on June 6, one can hop into the high-speed Vande Bharat train at Katra Vaishno Devi and reach Srinagar in just three hours!

The engineering marvel of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) that meanders through the hidden Valleys, 37 bridges, 27 tunnels and along the Chenab River in most of its course in the Jammu region is expected to become the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley and open up the remote districts of Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi in Jammu.

The railway link would keep Kashmir connected to the rest of India throughout the year; soon become a important key to cement people-to-people and trade relations between the Muslim-majority Kashmir and the rest of India.

A look at Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi's public programmes in Jammu and Kashmir on 6th June 2025.

Watch Live: https://t.co/OaPd6HRrq3 https://t.co/vpP0MIos7Chttps://t.co/lcXkSnOnsVhttps://t.co/4XQ2GzrhRl pic.twitter.com/lz0KeamXTM

— BJP (@BJP4India) June 5, 2025

It would also end the helplessness and isolation Kashmiris feel during freak weather, especially in winter, when the Srinagar-Jammu highway gets blocked due to landslides.

Besides, the train service would help boost trade and improve business opportunities for Kashmir and the rest of India. This was realized recently when Kashmiri traders were excited to see the Cherry boxes reach Pune through the train during its trial run.

The fruit wholesalers at Parimpora Fruit Mandi in Srinagar were excited to see the delicious cherry reach beyond the Azadpur Mandi of Delhi in no time. Cherry has a harvesting season and shelf life, hence time in transportation is crucial for profit.

From the orchards of Kashmir to the streets of Mumbai 🍒🚆
Indian Railways’ Jammu Division, launches its first dedicated cherry cargo train, delivering freshness, connecting hearts and empowering farmers. pic.twitter.com/qVQBCvYRyQ

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 2, 2025

While Kashmir will be the focus but the railway line would be a life-changing experience for the people living beyond the Vaishno Devi hills of the Trikuta and the border of the Kashmir Valley, which is a remote and largely isolated hilly area.

This region comprising the Udhampur, Reasi, and Ramban districts is dotted with cultural sites, picturesque Valleys, mountain treks and the rivers. However, due to inaccessibility, this area remained mostly out of bounds for tourists, investors, and traders. The locals faced a lack of jobs and livelihood opportunities. All this is bound to change with the Railway line to Kashmir.

Interestingly, India struck high-quality Lithium at Salal, close to the highest railway bridge on the USBRL at Bakal in Reasi, where its extraction is expected to begin any time.

Ending all speculations, the Northern Railway on Thursday announced the commencement of regular services of the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra from June 7.

The services will operate six days a week, enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage destination.

Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402 were introduced on the Srinagar-Katra-Srinagar route, with an intermediate halt at Banihal.

The trains will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays.

The railways said, “SMVD Katra Vande Bharat Express departs from Srinagar at 8 am, halts at Banihal at 9:02 am to reach Katra at 10:58 am.

“Srinagar Vande Bharat Express departs from Katra at 12.55 pm, stops at Banihal at 4.40 pm, and arrives in Srinagar at 1.53 pm.

This service is scheduled for six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.”

Srinagar Vande Bharat Express leaves Katra at 8:10 am, reach Banihal at 9:58 am, and arrive in Srinagar at 11:08 am.

Srinagar - SMVD Katra Vande Bharat Express starts from Srinagar at 2 pm, passes Banihal at 3:10 pm, and reaches Katra at 4.58 pm.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav posted this on X:

Know why Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is remarkable feat of engineering.

🧵Explore various landmarks achieved👇 pic.twitter.com/jjQ6oEPTH3

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 5, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, marking the completion of the Katra-Sangaldan rail link project.The train passes through the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, making it a milestone for Indian Railways.

The inauguration has sparked excitement among residents in the region.

Abdul Azeez Chandel said, "It will be very convenient if the train service begins here. We are very thankful to the government for working on this. It gives great comfort to the common people."

Former legislator Usman Majeed said the train to Kashmir is agame changer as he posted the video of the train passing through the Chenab bridge on X: 

So the first #VandeBharat train glides triumphantly over the world’s highest railway bridge on the #Chenab, seamlessly connecting it to the breathtaking #Kashmir valley. A monumental feat of engineering and national pride! pic.twitter.com/vhW7qyYFjq

— Usman Majid (@UsmanMajid_) June 4, 2025

Kesar Singh, another local, recalled the area's past and noted the positive change,"I am very happy the train services started here. Earlier, the situation was bad here because of militancy. But now everything is good here. Nobody thought that the train would come here."

Chaudhary Ghulam Hussain urged for more development, "We have been waiting for the train from Katra to arrive as soon as possible for a long time. We want our people to benefit from it. We need such projects in Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam."

Hussain said that the expansion will bring employment opportunities for the locals."If it is brought on the tourism map, it would be very good for us and the people because it would increase our employment opportunities for our children," he said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the security is not a problem for the Vande Bharat:

#WATCH | Katra: On the Vande Bharat train services from Katra to Srinagar to start from 7th June and security arrangements, J&K CM Omar Abdullah says, " We have enough security, we will deal with it, no need to be panic...trains have been running in all over Kashmir properly and… pic.twitter.com/FVG57xBdkf

— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025

Another local, Kuldeep Kumar Sharma, added, "We had no hope that the train would run. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this real. It is a matter of happiness because it can connect us with the rest of India. It was a dream for us, but PM Modi did this in reality."

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Meanwhile, security measures have been tightened at Udhampur Railway Station before the Prime Minister's visit. The completion of this link not only boosts regional connectivity but also integrates Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the national railway grid.