
PM Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Kashmir Rail Link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Jammu and Kashmir to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development projects valued at over 46 thousand crore rupees for the nation in Katra. PM will officially dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the country.
The USBRL project, spanning 272 kilometers, was built at a cost of approximately 44 thousand crore rupees. The USBRL project is an entirely electrified segment that includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
The Chenab Bridge, the highest railway arch bridge globally, along with India’s inaugural cable-stayed rail bridge – Anji Khad Bridge, will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister as part of the USBRL. The PM will also inaugurate two Vande Bharat Express trains – one from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and the other from Srinagar to Katra. Regular services of Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar will begin on Saturday.
Akashvani Correspondent states that "The Rail link initiative creates reliable, year-round rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and other parts of the nation, intending to enhance regional transport and promote socio-economic integration."
The Vande Bharat trains set to be launched between Katra and Srinagar have been equipped with unique technical attributes to ensure comfortable travel in the difficult climate of the Kashmir valley.
The Vande Bharat features silicone heating pads and a heating plumbing system that keeps water from freezing, even in sub-zero temperatures. The launch of this train service will notably shorten the travel duration from Katra to Srinagar by almost three hours.
Equipped with contemporary facilities and adjustments for specific climates, this train promises travelers an enhanced journey experience, Anand Kumar for Akashvani News Delhi.
Also Read: Indian Railways Lucky Yatra to Curb Ticketless Travel
Additionally, as a significant enhancement to last-mile connectivity, particularly in border regions, the Prime Minister will initiate and inaugurate several road projects. The Prime Minister will also perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, valued at more than 350 crore rupees. It will be the initial medical college in the Reasi district, significantly enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in the area.