Kashmir, January 10,2026- The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has generated over five crore man-days of employment, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
The minister highlighted that the ambitious USBRL project, which connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley through challenging Himalayan terrain, has not only provided significant employment opportunities during its construction but also strengthened the region’s economy. The rail link has been a boon for apple farmers in Kashmir, enabling faster and more efficient transport of apples to different parts of the country, thereby enhancing market access and reducing post-harvest losses.
Built over 28 years with 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges across valleys and ridges, the USBRL is being hailed as an engineering marvel. Officials said the project’s completion has transformed connectivity in the Union Territory, promoting trade, tourism, and overall socio-economic development.
The USBRL stands as a landmark initiative reflecting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir and its role in generating employment and supporting local livelihoods.
