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Jammu-Srinagar Train Service: Direct Rail Link Set for Year-End Launch

Get ready for a historic rail journey as direct train service between Jammu and Srinagar is expected to launch before the year ends. Railway officials have confirmed that all operational and redevelopment works in Jammu division will be completed by November 30. This marks a significant milestone in connecting Kashmir with the rest of India through rail. The project represents the fulfillment of an over-century-old dream for better connectivity in the region.

Key Points: Direct Jammu to Srinagar Train Service Expected by Year End

  • Direct train service expected before year-end after November 30 completion deadline
  • Jammu-Katra stretch presents major challenges with bridge and track work
  • Jammu station track work nearly complete while civil structures finishing
  • USBRL project includes world's highest railway bridge over Chenab River
2 min read

Direct Jammu to Srinagar train service likely before year end: Railway officials

Indian Railways officials confirm direct Jammu-Srinagar train service likely before year-end, marking major connectivity milestone for Kashmir region after operational works completion.

"Work is underway to make the direct service possible. Flash floods earlier slowed down progress and shifted our targets, but the project is now being pushed aggressively - Railway Officials"

Jammu, Nov 6

A direct train service from Jammu to Srinagar is likely to begin before the year's end as all operational and redevelopment works in the Jammu division will be completed before November 30, said the Indian Railway officials.

The operationalisation of the direct train from Jammu to Srinagar will be a major milestone in the rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country.

At present, the Vande Bharat train operates between Katra town of Reasi district and Kashmir.

The Northern Railways has fast-tracked operational, and redevelopment works in the Jammu division to enable a direct train service between Jammu and Srinagar, a move that will mark a big milestone in J&K’s railway connectivity.

Northern Railway officials said the direct train service is likely to start from Jammu railway station to Srinagar soon. “Work is underway to make the direct service possible. Flash floods earlier slowed down progress and shifted our targets, but the project is now being pushed aggressively,” the officials said.

They added that the major challenges lie on the Jammu–Katra stretch, where work on bridges, tracks, and station redevelopment is in progress.

“At Jammu station, there are two categories of work: civil structure and track-related. The track work is almost complete, while civil structures, including new platforms and station facilities, are nearing completion. The progress is being monitored to establish Jammu–Srinagar connectivity at the earliest,” an official added.

Operational and redevelopment works are expected to be completed before the end of November, and after that, a decision on starting the direct train service from Jammu to Srinagar would be taken.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is the most challenging railway project ever undertaken by the Indian Railways. This challenging project runs through the Himalayas and includes engineering marvels like the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge over the Anji Khad.

The line is now fully operational, providing all-weather connectivity and spurring socio-economic development in the region.

The train to Kashmir has been an over-century-old dream that was fulfilled when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat train from Katra town to Srinagar on June 6.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! This connectivity will boost tourism and local businesses in both regions. The engineering marvels mentioned like the Chenab bridge are truly impressive. Indian Railways is doing commendable work in challenging terrain.
A
Arjun K
Hope they maintain the promised timeline this time. Earlier delays due to floods were understandable, but now we need consistent progress. The infrastructure development in J&K is crucial for national integration and economic growth.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent visitor to Kashmir, this is wonderful news! The scenic train journey through the Himalayas will be an experience in itself. Hope the fares are reasonable so that more people can benefit from this connectivity.
M
Michael C
While this is great progress, I hope the railways also focuses on safety measures given the challenging terrain. The Himalayan region requires extra precautions for passenger safety. Better connectivity should mean safer travel too.
K
Kavya N
This will be so helpful for students and working professionals who frequently travel between these cities. The all-weather connectivity mentioned is particularly important during winter months when road travel becomes difficult. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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