Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the first train service to Kashmir on Saturday, April 19. The new service, departing from Katra—the base camp of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine—marks a significant milestone in connecting the region.
Currently, train operations in Jammu and Kashmir run between Sangaldan in Ramban and Baramulla, spanning 183 kilometres, with trains from other parts of India only reaching Katra.
As per media reports, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Chenab Bridge in the Reasi district, celebrated as the world’s highest railway bridge. The bridge is a key element of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, and railway officials will update him on its construction and strategic importance.
Initially, the service will operate between Katra and Baramulla. Following the expansion of the Jammu Railway Station, expected by July or August, train services to Kashmir will commence from Jammu instead of Katra. Until then, passengers travelling to Kashmir will need to change trains at Katra.
Robust safety measures have been implemented to ensure passenger security and protect railway infrastructure. Several trial runs, including those of the Vande Bharat train, have confirmed that the tracks and facilities are ready for regular operation.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, which extends 272 kilometres, has been completed in phases, further bolstering the region’s rail connectivity.