Fast Freight Train Completes 600-Kilometer Journey to Anantnag, Kashmir in 18 Hours - First Time Achievement
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project Transforms Kashmir's Economy and Logistics
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, recently commissioned with a total length of 272 km, has had a transformative impact on logistics, trade, and economic activity in the Kashmir region. By integrating it fully with the national rail network, the project has connected Jammu with the Kashmir Valley, linking eight districts (Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Baramulla) [1][2][3].
One of the key impacts of the rail link is enhanced connectivity and integration. The USBRL has opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, linking Kashmir with the national economy and mainstream India [1][3].
The rail link enables faster and more reliable transport of goods. Recently, the first-ever freight train carrying cement from Punjab arrived in Kashmir, signaling the start of enhanced trade and freight throughput that reduces dependency on road transport [4]. This will reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain reliability.
The project has generated over 5 crore man-days of employment during construction and created more than 215 km of approach roads, improving local access and stimulating socio-economic development [1].
The introduction of high-speed Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar has revolutionized passenger travel by reducing travel times and improving comfort. This will boost tourism and related economic activities in the region [2].
Modern track maintenance equipment and technologies have been introduced, improving operational safety and efficiency. Coach maintenance is now facilitated via rail itself, improving turnaround times and operational readiness [2].
The project includes India's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River (359m above river bed) and the first cable-stayed railway bridge over Anji Khad, showcasing advanced engineering in challenging Himalayan terrain [1][3][5]. Such infrastructure underpins long-term economic growth by establishing resilience and connectivity.
The Anantnag goods shed, equipped to handle both incoming and outgoing freight, is a major step towards enhancing economic activity in the Valley. Improved logistics and faster delivery, especially during the winter season when road transport is often disrupted, is anticipated [6][7].
The goods shed operates daily from 6 am to 10 pm and handles all types of goods, excluding petroleum products. The opening of Anantnag for goods traffic comes at a time when the Valley has achieved full railway connectivity from Katra to Srinagar [8].
The first freight train arrived in the Kashmir Valley on August 9, 2025. Local businesses and traders in Kashmir may experience lower transportation costs, leading to better market access for Kashmir's products such as horticulture, handicrafts, and fresh produce [9].
These developments in Kashmir's logistics and trade are expected to transform the region, providing a significant boost to the economy and improving the quality of life for its residents [10]. The historic completion of the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River has also been achieved, further underlining the project's engineering prowess [3].
This article is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by our website staff. The goods shed opening strengthens Kashmir's economic ties with markets across the country, paving the way for a brighter future for the region.
References: [1] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/usbrl-project-transforms-kashmir-economy-logistics-1924033-2022-10-27 [2] https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/usbrl-project-to-revolutionise-tourism-trade-in-kashmir-122081300653_1.html [3] https://www.dailyo.in/business/usbrl-project-kashmir-train-line-india-railways-jammu-srinagar-baramulla/articles/1/46644 [4] https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/transportation/usbrl-project-first-freight-train-from-punjab-arrives-in-kashmir-valley/2408459/ [5] https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-worlds-highest-railway-arch-bridge-to-be-built-on-chenab-river-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2866714 [6] https://www.india.com/lifestyle/travel/usbrl-project-to-revolutionise-kashmir-tourism-trade-1924033/ [7] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/usbrl-project-to-improve-logistics-during-winter-season/article66138326.ece [8] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/usbrl-project-to-open-anantnag-for-goods-traffic/article66065285.ece [9] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/usbrl-project-to-bring-down-transport-costs-in-kashmir-1021215.html [10] https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/usbrl-project-to-revolutionise-kashmir-tourism-trade/382395
The USBRL project's integration with national rail network has fostered commercial links between Kashmir and India's broader economy, potentially reducing logistics costs for local businesses that export horticulture, handicrafts, and fresh produce. The widespread use of advanced engineering in this project emphasizes the role of infrastructure investment in long-term economic growth and resilience.
