Historic Milestone: First Train to Kashmir Set to Be Flagged Off on April 19

Published On: March 27, 2025

The long-awaited railway connectivity to Kashmir is finally becoming a reality. On April 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first train to Kashmir from Katra, marking a significant milestone in India’s railway history. The event will take place in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and other dignitaries.

Railway Connectivity to Kashmir: A Dream Come True

For decades, the people of Kashmir have eagerly awaited direct railway connectivity. Currently, train services operate between Sangaldan and Baramulla, while trains from across the country reach Katra. With the new connection, the dream of a seamless train journey to Kashmir will finally be realized.

After successful trial runs and rigorous safety and security clearances, Prime Minister Modi has given the green light to inaugurate the historic service on April 19.

Prime Minister Modi’s Itinerary for the Event for First Train to Kashmir

According to official sources, Narendra Modi will land at Udhampur Army Airport on the morning of April 19 before heading to inspect the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. This engineering marvel has garnered global recognition. Railways officials will brief the Prime Minister on the bridge’s construction and its significance.

Following this, Modi will travel to Katra to officially flag off the train service. He is also expected to address a rally in Katra before returning to New Delhi via the Udhampur Army Airport.

Initial Operations and Future Expansion

Initially, the train will run between Katra and Baramulla. However, after the completion of the Jammu Railway Station expansion, including additional platforms, the train service to Kashmir is expected to begin from Jammu by July-August.

As per sources, direct train services from Delhi or other parts of the country to Kashmir are not planned at the moment. Passengers will have to de-board at Katra and switch trains for onward travel to the Valley. Once the expansion at Jammu Railway Station is completed, this transition will shift from Katra to Jammu.

Security and Safety Measures

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently visited Jammu to review security measures related to the launch of train services to Kashmir. The Chairman of the Railways Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) also conducted assessments to ensure the smooth and secure operation of the railway line.

Several successful trial runs, including those of the Vande Bharat Express, have already been conducted between Katra and Baramulla. Authorities have taken all necessary precautions to guarantee passenger safety and the reliability of the new train service.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project spans a total distance of 272 kilometers. It has been commissioned in phases:

Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) – Commissioned in October 2009
Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) – Commissioned in June 2013
Udhampur-Katra (25 km) – Commissioned in July 2014
Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km) – Operational since February last year
Sangaldan-Reasi (46 km) – Completed in June last year

The last remaining 17-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed three months ago, allowing full-fledged trials of the trains, including the Vande Bharat Express. The entire project has been completed at an estimated cost of ₹41,000 crore.

Advanced Railway Infrastructure and Vande Bharat Express

On January 4, the first successful trial of an electric train was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section. Over the past few months, multiple trials have taken place across various segments, particularly on the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.

The Kashmir Valley will soon have a specially designed Vande Bharat Express to connect Katra and Srinagar. This semi-high-speed train, manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), features anti-freezing technology that enables it to operate in extreme cold conditions as low as -20°C. The train is also equipped with advanced heating systems to ensure passenger comfort in harsh winter conditions.

Enhanced Safety Features in Vande Bharat Express

The new Vande Bharat Express for Kashmir comes with state-of-the-art security features, including:

CCTV surveillance for enhanced passenger safety
Emergency Talk Back Units for immediate communication with train staff
Shatterproof windows to withstand extreme conditions (although not bulletproof)

Train to Kashmir Schedule for Katra to Baramulla

Passengers traveling between Katra and Baramulla can board the following trains:

04617 BAHL-BRML DMU MEX SPL – Departs Banihal at 07:55 AM, arrives at Baramulla in 3 hours 25 minutes
04639 SGDN-BRML MEMU – Departs at 08:30 AM
04667 SGDN-BRML DMU – Departs at 03:15 PM
04483 BAHL-BRML EXP SPL – Departs at 07:00 AM

Note: The boarding station for all trains from Katra to Srinagar is Banihal Railway Station (BAHL), while the deboarding station in Srinagar is Srinagar Railway Station (SINA).

The inauguration of the first train to Kashmir is a landmark achievement that will significantly enhance connectivity and boost economic and tourism opportunities in the region. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced safety measures, and improved accessibility, this railway project promises to be a game-changer for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the entire country.

As the countdown to April 19 begins, excitement builds across India, marking a new era in railway transportation. The long-awaited connection to Kashmir is finally a reality, bringing the region closer to the rest of the country.