Rail, Road and Air Projects Transform Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

Photo: IANS

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a major expansion of transport infrastructure, with railway, road and aviation projects increasingly linking remote Himalayan areas with the rest of the country, according to a government factsheet released on Saturday.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has connected the Kashmir Valley to India's railway network, improving passenger movement and creating new opportunities for trade and tourism. The Chenab Bridge, the centrepiece of the project, is the world's highest railway arch bridge.

The expansion of Vande Bharat Express services and the development of freight terminals are also strengthening connectivity. These facilities are expected to help transport regional products, including Kashmiri apples, saffron and handicrafts, to markets across the country.

The factsheet highlighted the complementary role of road and air infrastructure, noting that the Sonamarg and Zojila tunnels are expected to improve all-weather connectivity towards Ladakh. Srinagar's expanding airport, along with proposed aviation hubs at Udhampur and Kishtwar, is also part of the broader connectivity push.

Inaugurated in June 2025, the USBRL project was built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore. Spanning 272 km through the Himalayan terrain, it covers Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla districts.

The project comprises 36 tunnels with a combined length of 119 km and 943 bridges, reflecting the engineering challenges involved in constructing a railway network through the mountainous region. It also includes more than 215 km of roads, along with a tunnel and 320 bridges, to improve access for local communities. The railway line is fully electrified, including its tunnel sections.

The 1,315-metre-long Chenab Bridge, built over the Chenab River in Reasi district, was inaugurated in June 2025. The structure is a key component of the rail link designed to provide a direct railway connection to the Kashmir Valley.

Vande Bharat Express services between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar began in June 2025. In April 2026, the service was extended to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, further improving rail access between Jammu and the Valley. The journey between Jammu and Srinagar can now be completed in less than five hours, according to the factsheet.

Road development is progressing alongside railway expansion. In August 2026, foundation stones were laid for 110 road projects covering 598.455 km under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV).

With an estimated cost of more than Rs 1,500 crore, the projects are expected to benefit 46,972 people across the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda-Kishtwar region by improving road access to rural communities.

Together, these infrastructure initiatives are aimed at reducing travel difficulties in mountainous areas, improving access to essential services and strengthening the movement of people and goods. Improved connectivity is also expected to support tourism, agricultural marketing and local businesses across Jammu and Kashmir.