The Ministry of Railways has commissioned the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-km railway line that provides all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the rest of India. The project covers eight districts of Jammu and Kashmir: Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla. This is one of the most difficult new railway line projects undertaken in post-independence India, passing through young Himalayas with complex geological challenges.
The USBRL project features several engineering marvels including the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. The iconic Chenab Bridge is 1,315 meters long with an arch span of 467 meters and stands 359 meters above the river bed. The project also includes Indian Railway's first cable-stayed bridge across Anji Khad, measuring 473 meters long with a single pylon of 193 meters height in an inverted "Y" shape. The entire rail project is electrified using overhead conductor systems in both tunnels and open stretches.
Beyond rail connectivity, the project has constructed approximately 215 km of roads (including tunnels and 320 bridges) that are being used by the local population. The commissioning has significantly reduced travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just about 3 hours, providing reliable and comfortable all-weather connectivity that is expected to boost tourism in the region.
The USBRL project has already made substantial socio-economic contributions by facilitating transportation of raw materials and finished goods, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. Farmers and local businesses can now sell signature Kashmir products including apples, dry fruits, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts beyond the region, accessing larger markets and promoting economic diversity.
For future rail connectivity improvements, the Railways has sanctioned Final Location Surveys for several projects including the Jalandhar Cantt-Jammu Tawi 3rd line (216 km), Jammu-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Additional Line (78 km), and the strategic Jammu/Reasi-Poonch New Line (190 km) which will strengthen rail connectivity in J&K's border region. These projects require Detailed Project Report preparation followed by stakeholder consultations and necessary approvals from NITI Aayog and Ministry of Finance.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, four stations in Jammu and Kashmir have been identified for redevelopment: Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. Progress varies by station with Budgam completing circulating area and parking improvements, Jammu Tawi completing new station building at second entry and new platforms, Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan completing station building improvements, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra remaining in master planning stage.
The Northern Railway zone, which covers Jammu and Kashmir, has been allocated ₹7,944 crore under Plan Head-53 (Customer Amenities) over the last five financial years and current financial year, with ₹5,622 crore expended up to June 2026. Station redevelopment faces challenges including statutory clearances, utility shifting, and operational constraints due to brownfield work nature.
Regarding road over/under bridges, 16 ROBs/RUBs have been constructed in Jammu & Kashmir during 2014-26 (up to May 2026), compared to 4,148 nationwide during 2004-14. Currently, 195 ROBs/RUBs exist in J&K with 2 additional works sanctioned at approximately ₹87 crore. Northern Railway has been allocated ₹763 crore under PH-30 for 2026-27, with ₹229 crore expended up to May 2026.
Electrification progress shows that 48,072 route kilometers were electrified during 2014-26 compared to 21,801 km in approximately 60 years before 2014. The entire existing Broad Gauge network in Jammu & Kashmir has been electrified, with all new projects being constructed with electrification.
For cargo infrastructure, one Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal has been commissioned in Samba district, with In-Principle Approvals granted for three additional locations in Kathua, Anantnag and Jammu districts. Nationally, 142 GCTs have been commissioned with 224 MTPA handling capacity, mobilizing approximately ₹10,000 crore private investment and handling 146 MT freight in 2025-26.
Signaling modernization includes Electronic Interlocking provided at 11 stations across five J&K districts during last five years, complete track circuiting at 11 stations, and axle counter systems at 11 block sections. Kavach, the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, has been sanctioned for about 401 route kilometers on sections passing through Jammu & Kashmir.
Train services have been significantly enhanced with 4 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains serving important J&K stations, and a new train service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Badgam decided. Station-wise service counts show Jammu Tawi served by 114 trains, MCTM Udhampur by 58 trains, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra by 46 trains, Srinagar by 16 trains, and Budgam by 19 trains, with detailed train lists provided for each station.