*5 terminals to be made in stretch from Baramulla to Jammu
Nishikant Khajuria
KATRA, June 5: On the eve of scheduled inauguration of Katra to Srinagar rail line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today informed that direct train from Jammu to Srinagar will start in September month of this year.
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“As of now Vande Bharat train to Srinagar will start from Katra as work on redevelopment of Jammu Railway Station is going on. Once the redevelopment work is completed in September, these trains will operate directly from Jammu,” he told the media persons, here today, during his visit to Katra for reviewing the preparations ahead of PM’s scheduled visit for tomorrow.
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The Railway Minister said that inauguration of the much-awaited Katra to Srinagar rail line is a historic milestone that fulfils the long-cherished dream of connecting Jammu and Srinagar by train.
“The dream of connecting Jammu with the Kashmir valley has finally come true. This is not just a railway project—it’s a symbol of India’s engineering capabilities and political resolve,” he said.
Vaishnaw informed that besides dedicating the Katra-Srinagar rail line to the nation, the Prime Minister will also flag off two Vande Bharat trains, which have been specially designed for high-altitude conditions, offering a modern and efficient travel option for pilgrims and tourists.
“Once the ongoing redevelopment work at Jammu station is completed in September, these special designed trains will operate directly from Jammu,” he said and added that those arriving at Jammu by conventional trains will be able to seamlessly switch to the Vande Bharat service through a breaching facility and corresponding seat to seat arrangement at the station.
Highlighting engineering marvel of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the Minister said the Khouri bridge has been built to endure wind speeds of more than 260 km/h and bear earthquake forces of highest intensity zone 5, the most earthquake-prone category. A whopping 30,000 tonnes of steel has been used in the construction of the Khouri Bridge, he added and also drew attention towards Anji Khad Bridge of the project, which is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
The Minister said the Katra to Banihal section, a particularly challenging stretch, spans 111 km, out of which 97 km is covered by tunnels constructed using the advanced Himalayan Tunneling Method.
“Advanced construction technique was specifically adapted to the complex geological seismic conditions of the Himalayan region, which is now termed as Himalayan Tunneling Method,’ he said.
Vaishnaw credited the successful completion of this ambitious project to the strong political will under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that while work progressed only in the plains before 2014, it was after that year that significant momentum was achieved in the mountainous sections.
“This project stands as a testament to what India can achieve when there is clear vision, determination and strong leadership,” he said.
In response to a query, the Minister emphasized that the Katra-Srinagar railway line is set to not only transform travel but also boost tourism, connectivity, and economic development in the region.
“Economy will receive a significant benefit, We are making a total of five terminals in the stretch from Baramulla to Jammu from where things can be brought to and forth. If we have to send produce from here to any part of the country, fruits and handicrafts and several others thing- it will be easier to transport that,” he said and added that an experiment in this regard was made recently when cherry was sent via train from Kashmir to Mumbai.
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