History & Chronology of Rail in Jammu & Kashmir (1897–2025)
| Year | Event / Development |
|---|---|
| 1897 | Maharaja Pratap Singh envisioned a railway line to Kashmir. British engineers conducted feasibility surveys. |
| 1905 | British proposed a railway line up to Rawalpindi via Jammu but abandoned due to difficult terrain. |
| 1972 | Indian Railways conducted surveys for Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). |
| 1983 | Construction of Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Project (USBRL) was approved. |
| 1994 | Project declared as a national project. Work began on phases. |
| 2005 | Inauguration of Jammu–Udhampur section (53 km) by PM Manmohan Singh. |
| 2008 | Qazigund–Baramulla section (118 km) in Kashmir Valley completed. |
| 2009 | Anantnag–Qazigund link inaugurated. |
| 2013 | Banihal–Qazigund tunnel completed (Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel - 11.2 km). |
| 2014 | Banihal–Qazigund section inaugurated (rail link inside tunnel). |
| 2017 | Chenab Bridge construction intensified (World's highest rail bridge). |
| 2022 | Trial run of Chenab Bridge completed successfully. |
| 2023 | USBRL’s most difficult section nearing completion. |
| 2024 | Reasi–Sangaldan section inaugurated. |
| 2025 (Expected) | Full Jammu to Srinagar rail connectivity including Chenab Bridge and Sangaldan–Banihal to be completed. |
| Future Plans | Kupwara Extension from Baramulla under survey stage. Srinagar to Kupwara link proposed to improve border connectivity. |
🛤️ Rail Sections in J&K (Completed & Planned)
| Section | Status | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu–Udhampur | Completed (2005) | 53 km |
| Udhampur–Katra | Completed (2014) | 25 km |
| Katra–Banihal | Under Construction | 111 km |
| Banihal–Qazigund | Completed (2013) | 18 km |
| Qazigund–Baramulla | Completed (2008) | 119 km |
| Baramulla–Kupwara | Proposed | ~40 km |
🌉 Major Rail Engineering Feats
-
Chenab Bridge:
-
World's highest rail bridge (359m above river).
-
Length: 1.3 km.
-
Taller than Eiffel Tower.
-
Inauguration: Expected 2025.
-
-
Pir Panjal Tunnel (Banihal Tunnel):
-
11.2 km long.
-
India's longest railway tunnel.
-
Connects Banihal to Qazigund.
-
🚉 New Trains and Services in Jammu & Kashmir (Latest)
| Train Name | Route | Launched |
|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | Jammu–Delhi via Udhampur | 2023 |
| DEMU Train | Banihal–Baramulla | Operational |
| MEMU Services | Udhampur–Katra | Operational |
| Goods Train | For Amarnath & defence supply | Seasonal |
✅ Important Points for Exams
-
Jammu–Srinagar–Baramulla project is National Project under Indian Railways.
-
Chenab Bridge is the highest railway bridge in the world.
-
Pir Panjal Tunnel is India's longest rail tunnel.
-
Vande Bharat Express connects Jammu with Delhi.
-
Kupwara rail line is still under survey.
-
USBRL project connects Jammu to Kashmir Valley.
-
Reasi and Sangaldan stations were inaugurated in 2024.
-
Project provides strategic defence and civilian access to remote areas.
-
Aims to boost tourism, employment, and economic activity in J&K.
❓ MCQs on Rail Transport in J&K
-
Which year was the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Project declared a National Project?
A. 1983
B. 1994 ✅
C. 2002
D. 2005 -
What is the length of the Pir Panjal railway tunnel?
A. 5.2 km
B. 11.2 km ✅
C. 9.1 km
D. 14.4 km -
Which is the world's highest railway bridge?
A. Howrah Bridge
B. Pamban Bridge
C. Chenab Bridge ✅
D. Godavari Rail Bridge -
Baramulla–Kupwara railway line is currently in which stage?
A. Completed
B. Under Construction
C. Survey Stage ✅
D. Cancelled -
In which year was the Banihal–Qazigund rail section inaugurated?
A. 2010
B. 2011
C. 2013 ✅
D. 2015 -
Which express train was introduced to Jammu in 2023?
A. Shatabdi Express
B. Rajdhani Express
C. Vande Bharat Express ✅
D. Gatimaan Express
Let me know if you'd like infographics, maps, or handwritten notes for this topic. Message on Instagram subscribe home academy YouTube channel and Facebook page