Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar on Friday, June 6, according to a report by The Times of India.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) will finally be fully operational with the opening of this last 111-km stretch, the Katra-Banihal section, which was completed in January 2025. The inauguration was originally planned for April 19 but was postponed due to weather concerns and subsequently delayed following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The two new Vande Bharat Express trains will run in both directions, one from Katra to Srinagar and the other from Srinagar to Katra. These high-speed trains will operate exclusively between the two cities for now, Financial Express reported.
A government official, as quoted by TOI, informed that both the trains and the security measures are ready. The Vande Bharat trains for the route have been specially modified. They now include heating systems for cold weather, anti-spall layers (for protection during attacks), and automatic doors, the report said.
This new link between Katra and Srinagar is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Project, which covers 272 km and includes 119 km of tunnels. Two major bridges, the Chenab Bridge (the world’s highest railway bridge) and Anji Khad Bridge, are part of this engineering marvel. The total cost of the project is around Rs 42,930 crore.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
