By Priyanka Roshan | June 6, 2025
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), spotlighted by PM Modi during the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat flag-off, is among India’s most ambitious and technically challenging railway projects ever undertaken.
Image: PTI
Spanning 272 km, the USBRL connects Jammu to the Kashmir Valley through steep Himalayan terrain. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared eight standout engineering features that make this project a national infrastructure milestone.
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Located between Khari and Sumber, Tunnel T-50 is India’s longest transportation tunnel and a critical link in the USBRL alignment.
Image: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw
Also known as the Banihal-Qazigund tunnel, it is India’s second-longest transportation tunnel and facilitates year-round connectivity under snow-bound terrain.
Image: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw
The third-longest railway tunnel in India, T-44 stretches between Sawalkote and Sangaldan, adding to the project’s complex tunnel network.
Image: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw
USBRL includes 36 main tunnels with a combined length of 119.6 km, along with 8 escape tunnels spanning 66.4 km, showcasing high-precision Himalayan tunneling.
Image: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw
The 1.3-km-long Chenab Bridge in Reasi, standing 359 metres tall—35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower—features over 600 km of steel welding, showcasing India’s engineering excellence.
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The 725.5-metre-long Anji Bridge, featuring a 193-metre-high single central pylon and 96 stay cables spanning 653 km, was built in 11 months to connect Katra and Reasi.
Image: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw
A specialized construction technique designed for the fragile geological and seismic conditions of the Himalayas. This method ensures stability and long-term durability.
Image: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw
Vande Bharat Express trains operating on the route are equipped with snow cutters to ensure uninterrupted service even during harsh winter conditions.
Image: PTI