Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the inaugural train service from Katra to Baramulla on April 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone in connecting Kashmir to the national railway network. This event is set to take place at Katra railway station, with the Prime Minister expected to address a public rally there .
The train service, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, will traverse the challenging Pir Panjal mountain range, enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir. The Vande Bharat Express, designed to withstand extreme winter conditions, will operate on this route, reducing travel time and boosting tourism, agriculture, industry, and education in the region .
he inauguration ceremony will be attended by key dignitaries, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Prior to the flag-off, PM Modi is expected to visit the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, to inspect its construction and significance .
This development fulfills a decades-long aspiration to integrate Kashmir into India’s railway network, promoting economic growth and regional integration.
