In a major boost to connectivity and infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, Indian Railways has launched an extensive railway development programme aimed at overhauling both the tracks and passenger coaches across the region. From the inauguration of the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) to a sweeping overhaul of track maintenance and coach facilities, the union territory is witnessing unprecedented railway development.
The USBRL has come as a game changer in transportation after the defining moment came on 6 June 2025, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the project—an engineering marvel connecting the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley. Featuring iconic bridges like Chenab and Anji, this rail link marks the seamless integration of Kashmir with the national railway grid for the first time.
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar has already begun transforming travel by offering faster, more comfortable, and reliable transportation for residents and tourists alike.
“Railways are emerging as a key enabler for Jammu & Kashmir’s development. What we are seeing now is only the beginning,” said an official from the Ministry of Railways.
The focus now has shifted from connectivity to quality and safety, as Railway authorities accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge track maintenance machinery and carry out long-pending upgrades of DEMU and MEMU coaches operating in the Valley.
One of the lesser-known but crucial benefits of the USBRL is the modernisation of track maintenance in Kashmir. Previously dependent on manual methods due to geographical isolation, the Valley now benefits from mechanised maintenance, enhancing both safety and ride comfort.
Since June 2025, a Tamping Machine—which ensures precise alignment and stability of tracks by compacting the stone ballast underneath—has been in continuous operation, covering nearly 88 km of track. Ballast Cleaning Machines (BCMs), vital for cleaning and screening the stone bed that supports the tracks, have processed over 14 km of track, improving drainage and ensuring smoother rides.
The arrival of 17 ballast rakes, bringing 19,000 cubic meters of stone from depots across the region, further strengthens the substructure. Moreover, Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs have provided comprehensive quality assessments, identifying areas needing attention and ensuring timely intervention.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised that the government is committed to doing “scientific” track maintenance through modern track fittings, ultrasound fracture detection, AI-based defect monitoring, and integrated track measurement systems, ensuring not just passenger safety but also improved working conditions for track staff.
Parallel to track modernisation is the significant leap in passenger coach maintenance and upgradation. Until now, DEMU/MEMU rakes in the Valley had to be hauled to Lucknow workshops via road—a tedious and inefficient process. But with the USBRL operational, these coaches are now being brought directly via rail, streamlining the overhaul process.
By August 2025, all DEMU and MEMU rakes currently operational in the Valley will undergo a comprehensive revamp. One MEMU and one DEMU rake have already been upgraded and redeployed, with additional units under maintenance at the Charbagh workshop in Lucknow and the Jalandhar shed. Passenger comfort is at the core of the project.