JAMMU (Metro Rail News): The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) and the operation of a Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar is excellent news for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement by Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw that the project will be completed by December 2023 or January 2024 has been met with excitement as it promises to make the journey between the two cities faster and more comfortable. Once the project is fully operational, the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar is expected to be reduced to just 3.5 hours.
 The Vande Bharat metro train, which will operate once the project is fully operational, will run at specific frequencies, making it easier for passengers to plan their journeys. Furthermore, the railway service will simplify the conveyance of apples and other agricultural commodities from Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in a substantial economic upliftment for the region.
The National Transporter will be introducing three Vande Bharat Trains on different routes- Chennai to Coimbatore, New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati and Ajmer-New Delhi via Jaipur in the next month. So far, there is a total of 10 Vande Bharat Trains, which are operational on different routes across India. This Semi-high-speed train with modern amenities is gaining attraction by the commuters as it will reduce the time travel by 25 to 45 percent. It has a top speed of 180 Kmph while its operational speed is 130kmph making it the fastest train in the country.
 Overall, the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) promises to bring significant improvements to the region’s infrastructure, economy, and tourism potential, which will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir for years to come.
