Kashmir to Get Direct Train from National Capital
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 04 : The phrase “Ab Dili Dor Nahi” reflects the long-held dream of the people of Kashmir. For centuries, this dream seemed elusive, but now it is set to become a reality. A direct train service from the National Capital, New Delhi, to Kashmir is expected to commence in the first month of 2025.
Top sources informed Kashmir Despatch that the inaugural direct train from Kashmir to Delhi will cover a distance of 800 km in less than 13 hours and is set to become operational in the next 50 days.
According to sources, construction is nearing completion on the 17 km stretch, which includes four stations between Reasi and Katra, as well as the T33 tunnel, with trials expected to conclude by the end of this year.
A senior railway official told Kashmir Despatch that the proposed 62-km track, of which 45 km has already been completed, runs between Katra and Sangaldan. Trial runs are currently taking place on the segment between Sangaldan and Reasi, which includes the world’s highest bridge over the Chenab River.
Currently, Kashmir only has a limited railway service, with trains running between Sangaldan and Banihal in the Jammu division to Srinagar and Baramulla in the Valley. On the Jammu side, trains operate up to Udhampur and Katra, which are connected to the broader Indian Railways network.
Pertinently, The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which was initially approved in 1995 by the government led by PV Narasimha Rao at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, gained significant traction when it was designated a national project by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. The completion of the first phase of the 118-km Baramulla-Qazigund section took place seven years later, followed by an extension to Banihal in 2013, inaugurated by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Public Reaction
The long-held dream of a direct rail connection from Kashmir to Udhampur and onward to New Delhi is finally becoming a reality. The existing rail link from Banihal to Baramulla has already contributed positively to the local economy. Thousands of commuters travel daily between Banihal and Baramulla through various districts such as Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar, and Budgam, benefiting from affordable travel options.
Previously, many people relying on daily commutes from Srinagar or Budgam had to face the burden of renting nearby accommodations due to the lengthy travel times. With the introduction of the Banihal-Baramulla rail connection, these distances will now be easily navigable by train, offering a more efficient and cost-effective alternative that bypasses the usual traffic congestions.
This new train service is anticipated to significantly bolster business prospects in Kashmir, as approximately 70-80 percent of trade in the region is linked to Delhi. The launch of this direct train is expected to stimulate economic activities and enhance job opportunities for the youth in the area.
