Srinagar, Dec 05 (KNO): Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project generated more than 5 crore man-days of employment.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha Vaishnaw, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, the USBRL project significantly boosted connectivity and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the 272-km USBRL project—recently commissioned, linking Kashmir with the rest of the country—has helped apple growers transport produce to major markets and facilitated movement of essential commodities such as cement to Kashmir. It has also eased passenger travel and strengthened all-weather connectivity.
“The project has helped apple farmers in transporting apples to different parts of the country. Besides providing connectivity and easing passenger flow towards Kashmir, it has also helped in transporting commodities like cement to the valley,” the minister said.
The minister said that surveys for further rail expansion in the region—including the 46-km Baramulla–Uri new line and the 118-km Banihal–Baramulla doubling—have been completed and Detailed Project Reports stand prepared.
Covering the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla, the USBRL project is among the most challenging railway projects undertaken post-independence, owing to the fragile Himalayan terrain.
The project includes the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Bridge in Reasi—which stands 359 metres above the riverbed with an arch span of 467 metres. It also features Indian Railways’ first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad, with a deck 331 metres above the riverbed.
As part of its socio-economic impact, more than 215 km of approach roads, a tunnel, and over 320 small bridges were constructed, improving connectivity for local communities.
Following the commissioning of the valley section, four Vande Bharat services have been introduced between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, in addition to DEMU/MEMU services operating on the Qazigund–Srinagar and Srinagar–Baramulla stretches.
The Ministry said further progress on new connectivity proposals will depend on consultations with stakeholders and clearances from bodies including NITI Aayog and the Finance Ministry—(KNO)