In preparation for the long-awaited direct train service between Delhi and Srinagar, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Dinesh Chand Deshwal, commenced a two-day inspection of the 17-km Katra-Reasi rail section on Tuesday. This inspection is critical to evaluating the infrastructure, operational safety, and readiness of the rail line, a key segment of the ambitious Kashmir rail link project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Delhi-Srinagar train service ahead of on January 26. Speaking about the inspection, Deshwal noted, “This inspection demands a detailed examination of tracks, tunnels, bridges, and stations. The final report will determine the operational timeline for train services on this section.”
The Katra-Reasi stretch features some of the most advanced engineering works ever undertaken by Indian Railways. The section is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, which aims to boost connectivity to Kashmir and foster economic growth in the region. The CRS praised the Northern Railways for implementing cutting-edge technology and adhering to global safety standards in the construction of this route.
The project includes iconic structures such as the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest rail arch bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. These marvels not only symbolize engineering prowess but also represent a significant boost to tourism in the region. The breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, combined with world-class rail infrastructure, are expected to attract both domestic and international travelers.
In addition to promoting tourism, the railway link is anticipated to play a transformative role in the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved connectivity will facilitate trade, create job opportunities, and enhance access to healthcare and education for residents in remote areas. The project also aligns with the government’s vision of integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India.
As part of the broader railway modernization initiative, the project features an electrified rail network, reducing the carbon footprint and ensuring eco-friendly transportation. The recently conducted electric train trials on the Katra-Banihal stretch have demonstrated the efficiency and sustainability of the new line.
The 111-km Katra-Banihal section, with its 27 tunnels and 37 bridges, includes the T-49 tunnel, the longest rail tunnel in India, stretching 12.75 kilometers. This engineering feat required state-of-the-art tunneling methods to overcome the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project began in 2005-06, with milestones like the inauguration of the Qazigund-Baramulla section in 2009, the Banihal-Qazigund stretch in 2013, and the Udhampur-Katra section in 2014. The completion of the final 17-km Reasi-Katra stretch in December 2024 marks the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work.
The Delhi-Srinagar train service is expected to drastically reduce travel time between the national capital and the valley, providing a seamless and comfortable journey for passengers. With enhanced connectivity, this project is poised to serve as a lifeline for the region, fostering unity, progress, and development.
As the inspection proceeds, railway officials are confident that the CRS report will greenlight operations, bringing India one step closer to realizing its vision of a fully integrated rail network that bridges geographical and cultural divides. The countdown to this historic moment is a testament to the resilience and determination of Indian Railways.
