06-Jun-2025

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link

History

Why in News? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, 2025.

About Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, in Jammu & Kashmir. 
  • The bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. 
  • With this, Kashmir is now connected to the rest of India via an all-weather railway line. 
  • The inaugurated stretch also features India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge – Anji Khad Bridge. 
  • This marks the first-ever direct train service linking the Kashmir Valley to the Indian mainland. 

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Bridge 

Chenab River 

  • Meaning: "Chenab" means Moon River ("Chan" = Moon, "Aab" = Water). 
  • Origin: Formed by Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi, Himachal Pradesh. 
  • Course: Flows through Jammu & Kashmir, enters Pakistan, and joins Sutlej River, a tributary of the Indus. 
  • Length: Around 974 km; largest river in Himachal by volume. 
  • Major Tributaries: Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, Lidrari. 
  • Importance: Supports irrigation; water shared under the Indus Water Treaty. 

Preparation Through MCQ 

Q. What is the significance of the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project?

(1) It connects Jammu to Delhi by a direct highway 
(2) It connects Kashmir to the Indian rail network through an all-weather railway 
(3) It introduces India's first monorail system 
(4) It connects Himachal Pradesh to Bhutan by train 

Answer: (2) It connects Kashmir to the Indian rail network through an all-weather railway