March 02, 2025- Northern Railway’s Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has clinched the coveted Build India Infra Award 2025 in the “Impact” category, recognising its monumental contribution to connectivity and economic growth in Kashmir. The 272-km railway line, a marvel of modern engineering, was honored for bridging the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through an all-weather transit network.
The award was presented on February 25, 2025, with General Manager Ashok Kumar Verma accepting the accolade on behalf of Northern Railway.
Featuring standout structures like the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed bridge over the Anji River, the USBRL has conquered the Himalayan region’s formidable terrain to deliver a transformative infrastructure project.
Set to redefine travel and trade, the rail link promises a new era of accessibility for Kashmir. With the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting New Delhi to Srinagar in just 13 hours, the project is poised to boost tourism and commerce while offering a cost-effective alternative to air travel during winter months.
Trial runs have concluded successfully, and commercial operations are expected to commence soon.
Celebrated as a symbol of engineering excellence and regional integration, the USBRL’s recognition at the Build India Infra Awards highlights its role as a cornerstone of development in Jammu and Kashmir.
