Direct railway connectivity between Jammu to Srinagar is a dream which will turn into reality by 2024. Work for the Udhampur-Banihal railway line was started in 2013 and is a part of the larger Kashmir Railway project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail. The project involves the construction of several railway lines, including the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line, network of tunnels and unimaginable bridges over Chenab and other rivers. The construction of the Jammu-Udhampur section of the railway line was completed in 2005, while the Udhampur-Baramulla section is currently under construction and is expected to be completed this year end. The arch bridge over Chenab is an engineering marvel as more than 28,000 metric tonnes of steel has been used for the bridge structure, built in a highly active seismic zone, this arch bridge has been constructed for Rs 1,486 crore. The deck height of the bridge is 359 metres, while its length is 1,315 metres with 17 spans, the linear length of the main arch span is 460 metres and it is curvilinear. The codal life of the bridge is 120 years and the bridge can withstand a wind speed of 266 kmph, and the crossing train can achieve a speed of 100 kmph. Once completed, the Jammu-Srinagar railway line will provide a direct rail link and is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to the region. Both the NH-44 widening and rail link to Kashmir are projects of strategic and economic importance for Jammu and Kashmir. Once completed cost of transportation will be reduced drastically and this will make all products and produce of Kashmir competitive in Indian markets. No fear of highway blockades or stone shootings. Government is committed to starting Vande Bharat train also between Jammu and Srinagar. From a defence point of view, a game changer beyond words. Jammu and Kashmir is transforming, the train of development is chugging and the destination of development is not far away.
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