Jammu-Srinagar Rail Link Boosts Connectivity, Track & Coach Upgrades in J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the historic Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, featuring the iconic Chenab and Anji bridges, marking a major milestone in connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley. The Vande Bharat Express now operates between Katra and Srinagar, emerging as a vital transportation link.

The railway link has transformed track maintenance in the valley. Modern track machines, including tamping and ballast cleaning equipment, are now deployed, replacing earlier manual processes. A tamping machine has improved nearly 88 km of track, while four ballast cleaning machines have deep-screened over 14 km. Approximately 19,000 cubic meters of ballast has been added to enhance stability, and advanced systems like the Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) have identified stretches needing further attention.

Nationwide, Indian Railways has upgraded 78% of tracks to support speeds of 110 kmph or more, up from just 39% in 2014, with total track length surpassing 1 lakh km in 2025. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized using AI, track machines, and advanced monitoring systems to improve safety and working conditions for maintenance staff.

In a parallel initiative, coach maintenance in Kashmir has seen a major overhaul. Earlier, DEMU/MEMU rakes in the valley were trucked to Lucknow for Periodic Overhauling (POH). Now, with full rail connectivity, coaches are transported via rail, allowing for more efficient servicing.

Upgrades include new anti-graffiti PU paint, bio-toilets, improved seats, new flooring, modern PA systems, mobile charging points, enhanced lighting, and hopper-type windows. Several rakes have already undergone POH, and all passenger coaches in service are scheduled for upgradation by August 31, 2025.

With these transformative developments, Indian Railways continues to strengthen its role as the nation’s lifeline, now extending a modern, high-quality lifeline to Jammu and Kashmir.