Udaipur, November 21, 2024 - The Vande Bharat Express train, connecting Kashmir with New Delhi via the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL), will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2025. Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced that this train will pass through the world's highest iconic bridge - Chenab Rail Bridge.

This large-scale initiative intends to increase tourism, decrease travel time and improve connectivity. The 272-km USBRL project is almost complete with 255 kilometres already commissioned. Only a 17 kilometre stretch remains - between Katra and Reasi. The rail link project is expected to be completed by December this year.

The Minister during his visit to the project site said, “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.”

The Chenab Rail Bridge stands 359 metres above the riverbed, which is 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, and spans over 1.3 kilometres.