SRINAGAR: In a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, the first freight train arrived at Anantnag Railway Station, about 55-km south of capital Srinagar, on Saturday, marking a major step in enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
With direct train services starting in June this year, this development strengthens economic and logistical ties, facilitating trade and transport to the scenic Himalayan region.
The train, loaded with cement, was celebrated by local residents as a step towards strengthening the regional economy, an official said. He said the Anantnag Railway Station is now equipped to handle both incoming and outgoing freight and that as the USBRL project, spanning 272 km, connects Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla, it integrates Kashmir with the Indian Railways freight corridor, enabling direct goods transport from across India.
Another official said, “The expansion of rail infrastructure- the operational debut of the Banihal-Sangaldan-Reasi-Katra section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project- and now the arrival of the first goods train in Anantnag is likely to boost local commerce and accessibility besides further integrating the region with the national network.”
“This 272-km rail line, one of India’s most challenging post-independence railway projects, integrates the Kashmir Valley with the national freight corridor, enabling seamless goods transport to the Valley”, he asserted.
The USBRL project features the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River (1,315m long, 467m arch span, 359m above the riverbed) and India’s first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad (331m above riverbed, 193m pylon).
The officials said that the arrival of freight tran in Anantnag boosts economic activity by reducing transport costs, ensuring year-round supply delivery despite weather challenges, and creating trade opportunities.
The USBRL project, spanning Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla, has generated over 5 crore man-days of employment and includes 215 km of approach roads with a tunnel and 320 small bridges, enhancing local connectivity and socio-economic growth, they said.
They added that the safety measures include mechanical ventilation in tunnels over 2 km, firefighting systems, and 66 km of escape tunnels for tunnels exceeding 3 km.
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