By Admin 
After the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, Railways is now moving towards another achievement. Indian Railways has prepared DPR for new railway line and doubling to further expand the rail network in Kashmir Valley.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said during the winter session of Parliament on Friday (December 5, 2025) that the survey of Baramulla-Uri New Railway Line (46 km) and Banihal-Baramulla Double Line (118 km) has been completed and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared.
Railway Minister gave detailed information about the project in Rajya Sabha
The Railway Minister said that after the DPR, the process of approving the project requires approvals from many stakeholders including state governments, NITI Aayog, Finance Ministry. Therefore, the timeline for completion of these projects will depend on various departmental processes.
Apart from this, the Railway Minister has also said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has brought about a big change in the social and economic scenario of Jammu and Kashmir and has generated employment of more than five crore man-days so far.
USBRL Project one of the most difficult projects of Railways
It is noteworthy that the USBRL project is one of the most difficult rail projects of the Railways. This is because this project passes through the Himalayan hills, due to which it is counted among the most challenging railway projects of India since independence and the total 272 km long USBRL project has recently been fully commissioned. Under this, trains pass through Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla districts.
The world’s highest railway bridge, Chenab Bridge (359 m high, 1,315 m long, 467 m arch span), has been built in this project, and India’s first cable-stayed bridge, Anji Khad Bridge, is also part of this project, whose pylon height is 193 m.
Benefits in tourism and business after operation of railway services
The completion of this project enabled expansion of rail services in Kashmir and after coming into operation, Railways has introduced four Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra to Srinagar, six pairs of DEMU/MEMU services — Qazigund–Srinagar sector and five pairs of DEMU/MEMU services — Srinagar–Baramulla sector, benefiting both tourism and trade.
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