Delhi-Kashmir Vande Bharat Express To Be Rolled Out In January 2025, To Run Via Iconic Chenab Rail Bridge

Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express connecting New Delhi to Kashmir in January 2025.

The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), passing through the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.

The USBRL project, which spans 272 kilometers, is almost complete, with 255 kilometers already commissioned. Only a 17-kilometer stretch between Katra and Reasi remains, and it is expected to be finished by December this year.

Singh confirmed that rigorous safety checks and inspections are being conducted to ensure the project’s readiness for inauguration, reports Deccan Herald.

"This project will significantly benefit the people of the valley, easing winter travel, boosting tourism, and increasing business opportunities. It is a gift from the NDA government and the Prime Minister to the people of Kashmir," Singh said during his visit to the project site.

The Vande Bharat Express will feature 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one First AC coach. Singh highlighted that tickets will be priced between Rs1,500 and Rs 2,100, and the train will make stops in Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi, promoting tourism in the region.

The train will traverse engineering masterpieces such as the Chenab Rail Bridge, which stands 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower—and spans over 1.3 kilometers. Additionally, the route includes the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed bridge.

Singh lauded the efforts of IRCON International Limited and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for their construction and technical expertise. He also praised Chief Administrative Officer Sandeep Gupta for his leadership in overcoming challenges in this ambitious project.

The railway project is expected to revolutionise transportation in the region by facilitating faster movement of goods such as fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables from Kashmir to Delhi, boosting local businesses. Singh emphasized that the achievement would gain global recognition for its scale and innovation.

Declared a national project in 2002, the USBRL project was sanctioned in phases, beginning with the Udhampur-Katra section in 1994. Over the years, various sections have been commissioned, including the Qazigund-Baramulla stretch in 2009 and the Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in 2020.

With this final stretch nearing completion, the USBRL project will connect Kashmir seamlessly with the rest of India, marking a historic milestone in the country’s infrastructure development.