The long-awaited direct train from Delhi to Kashmir will begin operations in January 2025, with most of the work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) nearing completion. The track between Sangaldan and Reasi is finished, and the Director of Safety, Railways, has inspected it. Work on the section from Reasi to Katra is also progressing, with plans to operate trains simultaneously on the 63 km stretch from Sangaldan to Katra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to dedicate the New Delhi-Baramulla railway line to the nation on January 26. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed that testing on the Katra-Kashmir railway track would conclude by December, ensuring Kashmir’s railway connection by January. The project is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region.
The USBRL project involves 38 tunnels spanning 119 km, including the country’s longest transportation tunnel, Tunnel T-49, and 927 bridges. Notable structures include the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest arch railway bridge, designed to withstand extreme wind and earthquake conditions. Major milestones in the Kashmir Rail Project include previous sections completed in 2009, 2013, and 2014, with the Banihal-Sangaldan service inaugurated in February 2024.
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Meanwhile, the Jawahar Tunnel, a critical infrastructure along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, is undergoing major renovations. The tunnel has suffered from seepage and infrastructure issues since 2010, prompting a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. The 62.50 crore renovation project, started in July 2023, aims to enhance ventilation, lighting, and monitoring systems.
The Jawahar Tunnel renovation is expected to be completed within 18 months, with improvements including advanced jet fans, energy-efficient lighting, and SCADA-based monitoring systems. Once completed, the upgraded tunnel will serve as both a vital transportation link and a potential tourist attraction, showcasing its historical and engineering significance.