Ride Through History: Kashmir’s Century-Old Rail Dream Comes True

After more than a hundred years of waiting, Kashmir is finally connected to the rest of India by train. On June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the last stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, a project that’s been talked about since the days of Maharaja Hari Singh.

 

What’s happening?

 

The new railway line runs 272 kilometers from Udhampur to Baramulla, linking the Kashmir Valley directly to the national rail network. This isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a huge step for people living in the region. For decades, travel in and out of Kashmir meant long, winding road journeys. Now, for the first time, you can board a train in Katra and ride all the way to Baramulla, with plans to connect directly to Jammu soon.

 

Why does it matter?

 

For locals, this means easier travel, more tourism, and better access to markets and jobs. The line passes over the Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway arch, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. These are impressive feats of engineering, but more importantly, they make life simpler for everyday people.

 

Two Vande Bharat trains will start running on this route, promising faster and more comfortable journeys. While you’ll still have to switch trains at Katra for a few more months, direct service to Jammu is expected by September.

 

This train isn’t just about tracks and tunnels—it’s about finally connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country in a way that’s been promised for generations.

 

Sources: The Indian Express, The New Indian Express, Kashmir Observer