WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRIANGAR: Indian Railways has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The plan includes operating 18 pairs of trains, offering a mix of high-speed, long-distance, and local services. With the introduction of Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, long-distance mail/express trains, and passenger services, this initiative promises to bridge the connectivity gap between the valley and the rest of India, boosting tourism and improving local travel options.
As per the document which lies with The News Now, two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains will run six days a week, connecting Baramulla, Srinagar, and Badgam. These semi-high-speed trains will operate on a schedule designed for maximum convenience.
The morning service will depart Baramulla at 9:05 AM, reaching Badgam by 9:30 AM, while the return journey will leave Baramulla at 7:10 PM, arriving in Badgam at 7:45 PM. These trains are expected to provide a faster, more comfortable option for both residents and tourists.
A Rajdhani Express service will also be introduced, offering daily connectivity between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar. The train will depart Jammu at 5:00 AM, reaching Srinagar by 10:15 AM, with the return journey departing Srinagar at 9:55 PM and arriving in Jammu at 3:45 AM the following day. This addition marks a significant milestone, bringing premium rail services directly to the valley for the first time.
Four pairs of passenger trains will operate daily in the Banihal-Badgam-Baramulla corridor for local commuters. These services are tailored to support residents’ needs, with morning, afternoon, and evening departures. Key timings include departures from Banihal at 6:05 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM, ensuring frequent and affordable options for short-distance travel.
Long-distance travelers will benefit from four pairs of weekly trains, connecting Srinagar to cities such as Chennai, Kota, and Guwahati. For instance, the Chennai-Srinagar weekly service will leave Chennai at 10:35 AM, arriving in Srinagar by 2:00 PM the next day. Similarly, the Kota-Srinagar weekly train will depart Kota at 1:30 PM, reaching its destination by 5:30 PM the next evening.
To enhance local travel, Diesel and Electric Multiple Unit (DMU/MEMU) trains will connect various stations in the Kashmir Valley, providing regular and convenient transportation for residents. These trains will run six days a week, linking major hubs like Banihal, Badgam, and Baramulla.
Indian Railways has also outlined the operational challenges and infrastructure upgrades accompanying this plan. Due to the challenging terrain and infrastructural constraints, trains will initially run at a maximum speed of 75 km/h. However, speed upgrades are planned for the future. To support the increased train frequency, new maintenance facilities, including pit and washing lines, are being developed at Badgam, ensuring smooth operations.
The first direct train from Kashmir to Delhi will begin operating in January, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate the remaining 17-km stretch of the 272 km long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project between Reasi and Katra in January.
