The long wait is finally over! On April 19, 2025, history will be made as Kashmir’s first direct train, linking the valley with the rest of India, will be flagged off. This momentous event will be marked by a grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting development!
For decades, Kashmir remained disconnected from India’s railway network. While trains operated between Sangaldan and Baramulla, passengers from other parts of the country had to stop at Katra. But now, with the final stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) completed, the dream of seamless connectivity has turned into reality.
Kashmir’s first direct train is a major step towards improving transportation, boosting tourism, and opening new economic opportunities for the region.
On April 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially flag off Kashmir’s first direct train from Katra. He will be joined by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Before launching the train service, PM Modi will visit the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi. This bridge is a modern engineering marvel, standing tall at 359 meters, making it even taller than the Eiffel Tower!
Initially, Kashmir’s first direct train will run between Katra and Baramulla, with stops in Srinagar. However, there’s good news! By August 2025, once expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed, the train will start from Jammu instead of Katra.
The first train to Kashmir will be a special Vande Bharat Express. But what makes it unique?
These features will make travel to Kashmir on the First Direct Train safe, comfortable, and convenient.
With such a historic event, security remains a top priority. The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, has reviewed security arrangements with top railway officials to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Kashmir’s first direct train is not just about travel. It represents growth, development, and a new future for Kashmir. Here’s how:
This railway connection, which costs rupees 41,000 crore, has been one of India’s most challenging projects, taking years of dedication to complete.
While Kashmir’s first direct train is a great start, bigger plans are ahead:
The arrival of Kashmir’s first direct train marks a new era of progress and unity for the region. With the first train rolling out on April 19, 2025, Kashmir’s railway dreams have finally come true.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
