Jammu and Kashmir is in the north of India and the Northern region of India is having limited surface access comparatively to other parts of the country. Jammu to Kashmir railway line is going to the biggest task for the government.

In 2002 the Government of India planned to provide a reliable transport system in J&K. So, GOI announced a "National Project" and named it as Udhampur -Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL).

This railway line project is going to be the most difficult project ever taken up by the government of India. It plays a very important role in the country so, this project is funded by the "consolidate funds of India".

USBRL is constructed by the agencies given below:

1. Northern Railways Construction Organization.
2. IRCON International Limited.
3. Konkan Railway Corporation Limited.
4. AFCONS Infrastructure Limited.

All of the above the agencies worked under the technical guidance and supervision of the Indian Railway and Northern railway Board.

This is a very big project and as we know that Jammu and Kashmir come under the seismic zone area. So, all of these circumstances project is divided into 3 sections:

First-line is started from "Banihal to Baramulla" distance about 136 Km, is constructed by RCON International Limited. The distance of this line is more that's why is divided into 2 phases one is from"Baramulla to Qazigund", opened to the public in October 2009, next phase is from"Qazigund to Banihal" this phase is opened to the public in June 2013

The Second railway line is started from "Udhampur to Katra" distance about 25 Km, is constructed by the Northern Railways Construction Organisation. It is opened for the public in July 2014.

The last section on this project which is left now is "Katra to Banihal", it's is around 111Km. Almost 60% of work in this section is completed, this section is taking time because of the main work of tunneling which is almost about 163Km (97km of the main tunnel and 66km o escape tunnel)

Some Best Fact Know About This Project:

- 27 tunnels come under "Katra to Banihal", Almost 80% is a tunnel in Katra to Banihal.

- Tunnels are being constructed by the New Austin Tunneling Method (NATM).

- Longest railway tunnel also comes under this having distance 12.75Km in Ramban District.

- 37 Bridges of Combined length of 7km is constructed in this project.

- The highest railway bridge in the world is on the Chenab river of Reasi District, having a hight of 359mt.

- First cable-stayed bridge of Indian Railways having a length of 726 mt.

This project will take some more time to complete but one thing is clear once this project is completed it is going to be a bonus for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the form of employment. Traveling is also going to be cheap and faster.

Kashmir to Kanyakumari will connect soon