New Delhi, Oct 17: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a major expansion of its transport infrastructure, with new railway links, highways, tunnels and airport facilities aimed at improving year-round connectivity, boosting tourism and linking local businesses with markets across the country.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), inaugurated in June 2025, has connected Kashmir with the national railway network.
The project, built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, stretches 272 km through the Himalayan region and includes 36 tunnels measuring 119 km and 943 bridges.
Its most prominent engineering achievement is the Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi district, the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
The 1315-metre-long structure stands 359 metres above the riverbed and is designed to withstand strong winds and seismic forces. Another major structure is the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
The railway project has also created more than five crore man-days of employment.
Faster rail travel
The Vande Bharat Express service between Katra and Srinagar began in June 2025 and was extended to Jammu Tawi in April 2026, strengthening rail connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu.
The journey between Jammu and Srinagar now takes less than five hours. The trains have been expanded from eight to 20 coaches and are equipped to operate in extreme weather conditions. A snow-removal train and specialised safety features support operations in the difficult Himalayan terrain.
Railway infrastructure is also being upgraded at four stations in Jammu and Kashmir under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme — Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan (Udhampur) and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Further projects under consideration or in the pipeline include a third railway line between Jalandhar Cantt and Jammu Tawi, an additional line between Jammu and Katra, and a proposed railway link connecting Jammu and Reasi with Poonch.
Tunnels to improve all-weather connectivity
Road connectivity is being strengthened alongside the railway network, particularly in areas where snowfall, avalanches and landslides frequently disrupt movement.
The 6.4-km Sonamarg tunnel, inaugurated in January 2025 at a cost of more than <span style="mso-bidi-</o: p></p><p class=SUBHEAD>Airport expansion and regional links</p><p class=SOFTBODY>Air connectivity is also receiving attention. </p><p class=SOFTBODY>A Rs 1677-crore expansion of Srinagar International Airport;" s="" civil="" enclave="" was="" approved="" in="" february="" 2026.
The project includes a new 71,500-square-metre terminal designed to handle up to 2,900 passengers during peak hours and 10 million passengers annually.
It will also include 15 aircraft parking bays and a multi-level parking facility for 1000 cars.
The proposed terminal will incorporate elements of Kashmiri architecture and traditional craftsmanship, along with water harvesting and other sustainable building features.
Regional aviation plans under the UDAN scheme include facilities at Udhampur and Kishtwar to improve access to areas beyond the region’s main urban centres.
Connecting farmers and businesses to markets
The expansion of transport infrastructure is also intended to improve the movement of agricultural produce, handicrafts and other goods from Jammu and Kashmir to markets elsewhere in the country.
Under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy, a cargo terminal commissioned at Samba in 2024 is operational.
In-principle approvals have also been granted for three proposed terminals in Kathua, Anantnag and Jammu districts.
Such facilities can support the transportation of apples, dry fruits, saffron, pashmina shawls and handicrafts, while improving access to warehousing, cold storage, and other logistics services.
The government’s broader objective is to integrate railways, highways, airports and cargo infrastructure into a coordinated transport network.
Better connectivity is expected to support tourism, encourage investment and create employment opportunities.
The scale of the projects marks a major leapfrog change for a region where difficult terrain and seasonal road closures have long restricted movement.
Their lasting impact, however, will depend on reliable operations, affordable transport, effective maintenance and the extent to which farmers, small businesses and residents benefit from the improved links.
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