Reasi, April 13, 2025 – Security measures have been significantly heightened in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, in preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on April 19, 2025, to inaugurate the historic Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link . The ambitious railway project, a landmark in India’s infrastructure development, is set to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, enhancing connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
The USBRL, spanning 272 kilometers, includes engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway bridge—and India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge. The project covers key districts, including Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla, and features a 119-kilometer network of tunnels designed to withstand the region’s challenging terrain and seismic activity.
Ahead of the inauguration, security forces have intensified surveillance and coordination across the region. The Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, recently reviewed arrangements at critical locations, including railway stations in Katra, Reasi, and Sangaldhan, as well as the Chenab Bridge. Multi-layered security protocols, including 24×7 CCTV monitoring, have been deployed, with a special focus on the sensitive Udhampur-Baramulla track to ensure a safe and seamless event.
Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, emphasised the project’s strategic importance, stating, “This rail link fulfils a decades-long dream of connecting Kashmir by train, boosting accessibility and regional integration.” On April 19, PM Modi is expected to flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains—one from Srinagar and another from Katra—marking the operational launch of the rail service. The trains, designed for cold climates, will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to approximately three hours.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary includes a visit to the Chenab Bridge, where he will be briefed on its construction, followed by a public rally in Katra before his return to Delhi. The event will be attended by dignitaries, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
While the rail link is initially set to operate between Katra and Baramulla, plans are underway to extend services from Jammu by July-August 2025, following the completion of expansion work at Jammu Railway Station. The USBRL is expected to revolutionize trade, tourism, and connectivity, offering a reliable all-weather alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which often faces disruptions due to weather conditions.
Local residents and officials alike have expressed excitement about the project’s potential to transform the region’s economy and accessibility. However, security remains a top priority, with authorities maintaining high alertness to ensure the safety of all involved in this historic occasion.