Indian state railway IR has announced that it will partially open the last 111 km section of the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) between Katra and Banihal in January 2025. The opening will take place after completion of construction work and approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Passenger rail and rail freight transport will start on the 207 km section between Katra and Srinagar using Vande Bharat electric multiple units (EMU) equipped for icy conditions. The USBRL connects the mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian railway network. Despite construction challenges and delays, the line is now partially opened, while the full safety infrastructure is not yet fully in place. Passengers will have to change trains in Katra to continue their journey.
