The Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently highlighted the successful implementation of all-weather rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. This achievement centers around the iconic Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, which serve as critical components of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. These bridges were officially opened for regular rail traffic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, marking a new era for transport in the region.
What makes the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges special?
The Chenab Bridge is recognized as a massive engineering feat, designed to withstand extremely high wind speeds and situated in a sensitive seismic zone. Construction was completed in August 2022, and trial runs were successfully conducted in June 2024. The Anji Khad Bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge of the Indian Railways. Its pylon construction and cable installations were finished by early 2023, and it became fully operational for the public in mid-2025. These structures ensure that the Kashmir valley remains connected to the rest of India throughout the year, even during harsh winter conditions.
How will this connectivity impact the local economy?
Improved rail access is expected to serve as a gateway to prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that the rail link will foster tourism and benefit various economic sectors. The movement of local products will become faster and more cost-effective. Key benefits include:
- Easier transportation of Kashmiri apples, dry fruits, and Pashmina shawls to national markets
- Boost to local entrepreneurship and creation of new job opportunities
- Direct rail access for tourists visiting the valley, increasing footfall
- Enhanced safety and reliability compared to traditional road transport
Furthermore, the government allocated approximately ₹1,086 crore in the February 2026 Union Budget to strengthen the railway infrastructure in the region. Plans for Jammu and Srinagar Metrolite projects are also moving forward, with Detailed Project Reports submitted for appraisal to improve urban transport within the cities.