Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the last part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link has been completed. He shared this update on X, mentioning that the final work on a special 3.2 km track inside Tunnel T-33 was done at 2 AM today.
This rail link is a big step for better travel between Kashmir and the rest of India. A direct train from Delhi to Srinagar is planned to start in January 2025, and it will be a new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train. This service will make the long trip of 800 kilometers much quicker, taking less than 13 hours!
In about a month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to open the last 17 kilometers of the entire 272-kilometer rail project, which will really improve access for people in the region.
This project will not only make it easier to move goods but also help the local economy grow and encourage more people to visit. Eventually, the route will link Delhi, Jammu, and even Baramulla in North Kashmir.
One of the most impressive parts is the Chenab Bridge, which is the tallest railway bridge in the world, making the journey between Delhi and Srinagar even more beautiful.
The Journey So Far
The idea for this rail project began in 1995 when Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao approved it. It gained traction in 2002 when then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee called it a national project.
Here’s how it has progressed over the years:
– 2009: Completed 118 km from Baramulla to Qazigund.
– 2013: Extended further to Banihal.
– 2014: Inaugurated the Udhampur-Katra section.
– 2023: The Banihal-Sangaldan section opened.
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which will be produced by BEML, was launched by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in September 2024, costing more than ₹35,000 crore.
Travel Details
The new train will leave from New Delhi at 7 PM and arrive in Srinagar by 8 AM the next day. Key stops along the way include:
– Ambala Cantt Junction
– Ludhiana Junction
– Kathua
– Tawi Jammu
– Sangaldan Banihal (near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra)
Ticket Prices
For ride comfort, there will be three options for sleeper tickets:
– AC 3 Tier: around ₹2,000
– AC 2 Tier: around ₹2,500
– AC Class I: around ₹3,000
This exciting development is sure to change the travel experience for many!
Leave a Reply