The first direct train from Kashmir to Delhi is set to begin operating in January, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate the remaining 17-km stretch of the 272 km long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project between Reasi and Katra next month.
The train will cover an 800 km distance in less than 13 hours.
The proposed 62-km-long track, 45 km of which has been completed, falls between Katra and Sangaldan, with trial runs underway in the stretch between Sangaldan and Reasi.
The work on the remaining 17 km, which holds four stations between Reasi and Katra and on the T33 tunnel, has reached the advanced stage of completion, with the stretch expected to be ready for trial by December 20.
The train will benefit the people of Kashmir by facilitating hassle-free transport of goods such as apples, dry fruits, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts to other parts of the country in the shortest possible time and for cheaper. The cost of transporting daily items of daily use to the Valley from elsewhere in the country is also expected to go down significantly.
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Source: The Indian Express
