How is Rail Connectivity Transforming Trade in Kashmir?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link has opened new avenues for trade in Kashmir. With the arrival of industrial salt and automobiles via train, the region is set to enhance its economic connectivity to the rest of India. What does this mean for the future of trade in Kashmir?
Key Takeaways
- Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) enhances regional connectivity.
- The first 21-wagon consignment of industrial salt has arrived in Anantnag.
- Improved rail transport is set to boost trade between Gujarat and Kashmir.
- The rail link has facilitated the transport of apples and automobiles.
- The Vande Bharat train has transformed surface transport in the Valley.
New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) Regional connectivity has reached new heights with the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Passenger and freight train services have commenced, creating a direct rail connection between the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and other regions of India.
Importantly, the first 21-wagon (BCN) rail consignment carrying 1,350 tonnes of industrial salt from Kharaghoda Goods Shed in Gujarat successfully arrived at Anantnag Goods Shed on Friday, as reported by the Indian Express.
According to Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu Division, “This achievement signifies a new milestone in linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through dependable and economical rail transport. The industrial salt is utilized in various sectors, including tanning, pulp soap, and occasionally in brick kiln industries.”
“The arrival of this salt consignment is anticipated to lead to increased freight traffic in the future, thereby strengthening trade relations between Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Interestingly, last month, a freight train successfully delivered winter supplies to the Indian Army in Anantnag while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for almost three weeks.
On its return journey, the train transported apples from the Valley to Delhi, addressing the distress among farmers due to rotting apples stuck in hundreds of stranded trucks along the blocked highway.
Additionally, the first-ever rake carrying automobiles was unloaded last month at the newly operational goods shed in Anantnag district.
This rake, dispatched from Manesar, Haryana, arrived in Anantnag after covering over 850 kilometers in just 45 hours, carrying 116 newly manufactured vehicles. This significant development indicates a major advancement in the region’s freight connectivity.
Furthermore, the arrival of the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Kashmir has already revolutionized the surface transport sector in the Valley.
Point of View
It is evident that the establishment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link marks a significant turning point in Kashmir’s trade landscape. This infrastructure improvement not only facilitates the movement of goods but also fosters economic growth and stability in the region.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USBRL project?
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a crucial railway project aimed at improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, linking the region directly to the rest of India.
How does rail connectivity impact trade in Kashmir?
Rail connectivity enhances trade by providing a reliable and efficient means of transporting goods, thereby facilitating economic activity and reducing the cost of logistics.
What types of goods are transported via the new rail link?
The rail link is used for transporting various goods, including industrial salt, winter supplies for the Indian Army, and agricultural products like apples.
Are there any future plans for expanding rail services in Kashmir?
Yes, the success of the USBRL project is expected to encourage further investments in rail infrastructure, aiming to expand services and improve connectivity in the region.
What is the significance of the Vande Bharat train for Kashmir?
The introduction of the Vande Bharat train has significantly improved surface transport in Kashmir, offering faster and more efficient travel options for passengers.
