Srinagar, March 3, 2025- Kashmir is on the cusp of a transformative leap in connectivity as the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express prepares to roll out, marking a historic milestone in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. This modern, semi-high-speed train, set to be inaugurated soon, promises to redefine travel convenience and strengthen ties between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
The Vande Bharat Express, designed to operate seamlessly in the region’s extreme winter conditions, will connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station in Jammu to Srinagar. Covering a distance of over 150 kilometers in approximately two hours and thirty minutes, the train will traverse the engineering marvel that is the USBRL, including the iconic Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway bridge. Key stops along the route include Reasi, Sangaldan, Banihal, and Qazigund, enhancing accessibility across the region.
Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railways, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, confirmed to local media that preparations for the launch are in full swing. “The Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is a game-changer. While the exact inauguration date is yet to be finalized, it will happen soon, ahead of the Jammu Railway Station modernisation completion,” he said. The train’s successful trial run from Katra to Budgam in January 2025, followed by rigorous safety evaluations, has paved the way for its commercial debut.
This milestone comes after years of anticipation for the USBRL project, a Rs. 37,012-crore initiative hailed as one of India’s most ambitious railway endeavours. With its completion, Kashmir will be seamlessly integrated into the national railway network, boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth. The train, equipped with advanced features like anti-freezing technology to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C, reflects India’s commitment to innovation and regional development.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the development, dubbing it a symbol of “Badalta Kashmir” . “This train will not only cut travel time but also open new opportunities for our youth and businesses. It’s a proud moment for us,” said a Srinagar-based entrepreneur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the service, though an official announcement is awaited. Preliminary estimates suggest ticket prices could range between Rs. 1,500-1,600 for the AC Chair Car and Rs. 2,200-2,500 for the Executive Chair Car, making it an affordable yet luxurious travel option.
As the Valley prepares to welcome its first Vande Bharat Express, the sentiment is one of optimism and excitement. This high-speed marvel is set to bring Kashmir closer to the rest of India, both literally and figuratively, ushering in a new era of progress and connectivity.