Kashmir, January 10,2026: After nearly 28 years of sustained effort, Kashmir has finally achieved all-weather rail connectivity, marking a historic milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. The completion of the 272-kilometre Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has seamlessly connected the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through the national railway network.
Constructed through the rugged and geologically challenging Himalayan terrain, the USBRL project stands as an engineering marvel. The rail corridor includes 36 tunnels spanning about 119 kilometres and 943 bridges, cutting across deep valleys, steep ridges, and high mountain passes. Engineers and workers overcame extreme weather conditions, difficult geology, and logistical challenges to bring the ambitious project to fruition.
The all-weather rail link is expected to significantly enhance mobility, trade, and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. It will ensure uninterrupted transportation of passengers and goods throughout the year, reduce dependence on road connectivity vulnerable to landslides and snowfall, and boost economic integration with the rest of the country.
Officials said the rail link will play a crucial role in promoting regional development, improving access to essential supplies, facilitating faster movement of people, and opening new avenues for tourism and employment. The USBRL project is being hailed as a game-changer that ushers in a new era of connectivity and growth for Jammu and Kashmir.
