Vande Bharat, will soon operate on the New Delhi-Srinagar route. This is excellent news for the tourism sector and other allied industries. A key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir is the Chenab Bridge. Built in the rugged Himalayan terrain, the bridge stretches 1,315 meters over the Chenab River, standing at an impressive height of 359 meters above the riverbed. Essentially, this means Delhi is now just an overnight trip from Srinagar and vice versa. Passengers can board the evening Vande Bharat Express in Delhi and arrive in Srinagar by morning. The train will begin its journey through the scenic valley starting June 6. Its completion marks a major achievement in linking the Kashmir Valley to India’s extensive railway network, boosting both economic opportunities and strategic connectivity in the region. Approved in 2002, construction began in 2004, overcoming immense challenges such as seismic risks in Zone V, harsh weather, and logistical hurdles posed by the mountainous landscape. Designed by WSP, the bridge features a steel-concrete arch structure, using 25,000 tons of steel to support dual railway tracks.
This development is expected to attract middle and lower-middle-class tourists from states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Winter tourism, in particular, stands to benefit significantly, as airfares soar during this season and flights often face cancellations or delays due to poor weather. Trains, being more reliable in all conditions, offer a steady alternative. Destinations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg may experience a surge in tourist numbers during winter, as the region is now just an overnight trip away from much of the country. To accommodate this influx, the government should encourage homestays along the route and ensure efficient cab or bus services to transport tourists between Gulmarg and nearby towns. This route is considered one of India’s most picturesque train journeys. With Delhi now just a night’s journey from Srinagar, many prospective brides and grooms from the valley may travel to Delhi for wedding shopping. In the future, freight services could also transport horticultural produce from Kashmir to major markets like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The project also serves as a statement to China, demonstrating India’s capability to construct railway infrastructure in extremely difficult terrains. It highlights India’s self-reliance in developing high-quality infrastructure across diverse landscapes. Geopolitically, this rail link holds immense strategic importance. Congratulations to the Government of India and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for successfully bringing the train to Kashmir.
