June 6 Milestone: Vande Bharat Ends 27-Year Wait, Conquering 38 Tunnels & 927 Bridges
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, June 5 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express service between Katra and Kashmir on June 6, marking a historic milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, launched in 1997, has overcome immense geological and topographical challenges to become operational. Spanning 272 kilometers, the railway features 38 tunnels and 927 bridges, including the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River—a testament to India’s engineering prowess.
Boosting Commerce and Connectivity
The introduction of the Vande Bharat train is expected to transform Kashmir’s economy by enhancing local commerce and improving regional connectivity. Officials and business leaders told Kashmir Despatch that the service will not only ease travel for residents but also attract more tourists, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Amina Khan, a local entrepreneur, expressed optimism: “The Vande Bharat train will make it easier for visitors to explore Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes. This improved accessibility will likely increase tourist footfall, benefiting local shops, hotels, and restaurants.”
Government representatives highlighted the project’s economic potential, noting that linking key towns in the valley to the rest of India will foster trade and generate employment in sectors like tourism, retail, and agriculture.
Tourism and Trade to Flourish
Tourism, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy, is expected to thrive as the Vande Bharat train connects popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam to major urban centers. Experts also anticipate that improved transport infrastructure will expand the market for local handicrafts, enabling artisans to reach wider audiences.
“This rail link is more than an infrastructural achievement—it’s a leap in accessibility for Kashmiris, particularly during harsh winters when road travel is often disrupted,” said analysts. “While operational challenges in extreme weather remain, the long-term benefits—tourism growth, business opportunities, and emotional integration with the nation—are immense.”
Engineering Marvels and Delayed Launch
Originally slated for April 19, the inauguration was postponed due to adverse weather and the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. PM Modi will now flag off the train from Katra on June 6.
The Kashmir-specific Vande Bharat train features advanced heating systems, defrosting mechanisms for the driver’s windshield, and other adaptations for sub-zero temperatures.
The USBRL project, developed in phases since 1997, faced repeated delays due to the region’s rugged terrain. Key sections—Qazigund-Baramulla (2009), Banihal-Qazigund (2013), and Udhampur-Katra (2014)—were completed earlier, with the challenging Sangaldan-Katra stretch finalized recently.
A Triumph of Engineering
The train will traverse the iconic Chenab Bridge (359 meters above sea level) and the Anji Khad, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge (331 meters high, supported by 96 cables). With over ₹40,000 crore invested, the USBRL project includes ballast-less tracks, 943 bridges, and 36 tunnels—including India’s longest rail tunnel, T-50 (12.7 km).
This landmark initiative promises to reshape Kashmir’s economic and social landscape, bridging gaps and unlocking new opportunities for the region.
Meanwhile, The Ministry of Railways has announced the timetable for the newly introduced Vande Bharat Express train services between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, marking a major step in enhancing rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The semi-high-speed trains will have limited halts, stopping only at four stations along the route: Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar.
As per a notification from the Ministry, two pairs of Vande Bharat trains—numbered 26401/02 and 26403/04—have been approved for the route.
The trains will operate six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance.
From Srinagar, train number 26402 will depart at 14:00 hrs and arrive at Jammu Tawi at 18:50 hrs, except on Tuesdays. Train number 26404 will depart Srinagar at 08:00 hrs and reach Jammu Tawi by 12:40 hrs, not running on Wednesdays.
In the return direction, train number 26401 will leave Jammu Tawi at 06:20 hrs and reach Srinagar at 11:10 hrs, except on Tuesdays. Train number 26403 will depart Jammu Tawi at 13:20 hrs and arrive in Srinagar at 18:00 hrs, not operating on Wednesdays.
The service is expected to significantly improve tourism, business, and commuting in the region.
The Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar and offer improved travel conditions. The launch is a major development for the region’s railway infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Vande Bharat train service, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be beneficial for the people and significantly reduce the inconvenience caused by highway closures.
“I was in 7th class when the project began. It’s a matter of pride that we’re finally witnessing its operational phase,” CM Omar told reporters during his visit to Katra Railway Station, where he reviewed preparations alongside Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Chief Minister said that the train’s launch will help end the exploitation faced by air travelers during highway shutdowns. “We are being charged Rs 20,000 for a ticket instead of Rs 5,000 when the highway gets closed,” he said.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
