Ashwini Vaishnaw celebrates successful trial run of train on Chenab bridge, says Jammu-Srinagar railway line will be operational soon - The Indian Express

The Indian Railways achieved a major milestone on Wednesday by successfully conducting a trial run on the steep 179-degree gradient of the Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line in Jammu and Kashmir. This marks significant progress towards establishing first direct rail connection with Kashmir.
The train reached speeds of up to 110 km/h during the trial, which was part of the ongoing tests on the Sangaldan-Reasi stretch. Speaking at Banihal, Northern Circle’s commissioner of railway safety, Dinesh Chand Deshwal, hailed the event as “a new chapter in the history of the Railways” and credited the achievement to the exceptional efforts of engineers navigating the region’s challenging terrain.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw celebrated the moment on social media, posting a video of the train speeding across the iconic Chenab bridge. He captioned it: “Tested train run at 110 kmph on Chenab bridge. Historic day indeed. The Jammu Srinagar railway line is getting ready to be operational soon.”
Watch the video:
Tested train run at 110 kmph on Chenab bridge. Historic day indeed. The Jammu Srinagar railway line is getting ready to be operational soon. pic.twitter.com/pMxpKaeMK4
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 8, 2025

Netizens reacted to Vaishnaw’s post in the comments section. One user wirote, “Absolutely sir, It’s an Historic day for India, You and your Team made us proud. Well done for this achievement.”
Another user said ,“State of arts achievement by Indian Railways, A Big thanks to member of this project, who contribute to make this dream possible.”
The long-awaited dream of linking Kashmir to the rest of India by rail is finally nearing reality after more than two decades of effort. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, initiated in 1997, has faced numerous obstacles, including the region’s tough terrain and unpredictable weather. However, the project is now in its final stages, with the 17-kilometer Reasi-Katra section set to be completed next month.
Once operational, the first direct train connecting Kashmir and Delhi will begin service in January. The journey, spanning 800 kilometers, is expected to take less than 13 hours. The route includes the breath-taking Katra-Sangaldan section, home to the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River.
Speaking during a recent inspection of the Reasi-Katra stretch, minister of state for railways and food processing industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, hinted at the inauguration timeline, saying, “I believe that whenever the Prime Minister gets time in the first month of next year, it will be inaugurated.”
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
Kejriwal accuses PM Modi and Amit Shah of betraying Jat community in Delhi by not including them in the Centre’s OBC list. Jats in Rajasthan included in OBC list, but not in Delhi, leading to lack of reservation benefits in admissions and jobs. Kejriwal demands PM and HM to fulfill promises made to Jats and other communities in Delhi.

This No Is Already Registered.
Thanks For Registered Mobile No.