Srinagar/Jammu, September 17, 2025: The much-awaited direct train service between Jammu and Srinagar is expected to start by the end of October, railway officials said. The service, part of the 272-kilometer Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, has been declared a national priority and aims to provide seamless connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
Officials said the launch is pending completion of expansion work at Jammu railway station. Although the project was initially expected to be completed in September, delays have pushed the target back by nearly three weeks. A senior railway officer confirmed that the project is now in its final stages, and every effort is being made to ensure the service is operational before winter sets in.
The USBRL project features some of the world’s most ambitious railway infrastructure, including the Chenab Rail Bridge — the tallest railway bridge in the world — as well as multiple long tunnels across the difficult Himalayan terrain. These engineering marvels are expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel time significantly.
Experts say the new rail link will be a game-changer for Jammu and Kashmir, boosting tourism, trade, and horticulture in the region. Direct train services will make travel easier for tourists, facilitate the movement of goods, and help local businesses expand their markets.
The Jammu–Srinagar train service has long been awaited by residents and travelers alike, who have relied on road transport through the often treacherous Jammu–Srinagar highway. The rail link is expected to provide a safer and faster alternative, especially during harsh winter months when road travel is frequently disrupted by snow and landslides.
Railway authorities have urged passengers to stay updated on the official schedule and ticketing details, which will be released once the final commissioning work is completed at Jammu station.
The launch of this direct train service marks a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development and is expected to strengthen socio-economic ties between Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, and the rest of the country.
