Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first train service to Kashmir on 19 April, Saturday, a Jammu-based daily reported.
According to the news report, the train will depart from Katra, the base camp of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, marking a significant milestone for the region.
Currently, train services in Jammu and Kashmir operate between Sangaldan in Ramban and Baramulla, covering 183 kilometres. Trains from other parts of India only travel till Katra.
Before the inauguration, PM Modi will visit the Chenab Bridge in Reasi district -- the world's highest railway bridge. This engineering marvel is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Railway officials will brief him on the bridge's construction and significance.
After visiting the bridge, the Prime Minister will proceed to Katra to flag off the inaugural train to Kashmir. He is also expected to address a public rally before returning to New Delhi.
Initially, the train service will operate between Katra and Baramulla. Once the expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed by July or August, trains to Kashmir will commence from Jammu instead of Katra.
Until then, passengers travelling to Kashmir must change trains at Katra. Even after this shift, there will be no direct trains from Delhi or other major cities to Kashmir.
To ensure passenger safety and the security of railway infrastructure, authorities have implemented robust measures.
Several trial runs, including those of the Vande Bharat train, have been successfully conducted, confirming the readiness of the railway track and facilities.
The USBRL project spans 272 kilometres and has been completed in phases.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project spans 272 kilometres and has been completed in phases.
The Qazigund to Baramulla section (118 km) was inaugurated in October 2009, followed by the Banihal to Qazigund stretch (18 km) in June 2013. The Udhampur to Katra segment (25 km) became operational in July 2014, while the Banihal to Sangaldan section (48.1 km) was inaugurated in February 2023.
The launch of the first train to Kashmir represents a major advancement in connectivity and economic development for the region. This project is expected to facilitate travel, boost tourism, enhance trade, and create employment opportunities. As Modi inaugurates this historic train service, it signifies the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir's transportation network.