Delhi to Kashmir Vande Bharat Express: Bridging Dreams with India’s Most Ambitious Railway Project
The long-anticipated Delhi-to-Kashmir Vande Bharat Express is set to begin operations in January 2025, promising a transformative connection between the nation’s capital and the picturesque valley. Announced by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh, the train will traverse the breathtaking Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a project defined by groundbreaking engineering and unparalleled ambition.
A Landmark Journey Through Engineering Marvels
The Vande Bharat Express will cross the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge towering 359 meters above the Chenab riverbed—35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. Spanning over 1.3 kilometers, this architectural wonder is a highlight of the USBRL project, a 272-kilometer railway line declared a “National Project” in 2002. With 255 kilometers already completed, the final stretch between Katra and Reasi is on track for December completion.
Minister Singh, who recently visited the project, described it as a monumental achievement, citing the sacrifices of workers and the leadership of Chief Administrative Officer Sandeep Gupta. He also lauded the combined efforts of IRCON International Limited and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for making this engineering dream a reality.
Enhancing Connectivity and Boosting Tourism
Starting January, passengers can travel from Delhi to Kashmir for an affordable fare of ₹1,500 to ₹2,100. The train will include 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one First AC coach, offering comfort and affordability. Stops will include Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi, further enhancing the region’s tourism potential.
“This project will provide relief to the valley’s people, reduce highway congestion, and bring a tourism boom,” said Singh. The rail link is expected to support local businesses by enabling the faster transport of fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables to markets in Delhi, boosting the region’s economy.
Safety and Precision in Focus
Every aspect of the USBRL project is undergoing rigorous inspections to ensure passenger safety. Singh emphasized that technical teams and officials are conducting large-scale inspections, and only after all safety measures are verified will the final inauguration date be confirmed.
The minister added that the project has accelerated significantly over the past eight years, overcoming challenges that had previously stalled progress.
Bridging the Nation
The USBRL project’s phased rollout has already made significant strides. Key sections include the Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) commissioned in 2009, Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) in 2013, and Udhampur-Katra (25 km) in 2014. The 48.1-km Banihal-Sangaldan stretch was dedicated to the public in February 2020. Inspections on the Sangaldan-Reasi section, which features the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge and multiple tunnels, were conducted earlier this year.
A New Era for Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Delhi-to-Kashmir Vande Bharat Express, marking a new chapter in India’s railway history. The project not only symbolizes connectivity but also embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience, linking Kashmir to the rest of the country like never before.
This rail link is more than a journey; it’s a bridge to dreams, growth, and unity. As Singh aptly put it, the Vande Bharat Express is a “gift to the people of Kashmir” and a testament to India’s engineering brilliance.
