Rail line to Kashmir: Strategic asset, boon for economy

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), poised to transform travel to the Kashmir Valley, is being hailed as a strategic game-changer, which also has the potential to significantly boost the region’s economy.

The direct rail link will enhance the rapid mobilisation of Army troops during emergencies. On May 13, at the height of hostilities with Pakistan, around 800 soldiers were reportedly sent to the Valley via this route, even before the train service was officially launched. This move gave a major logistical advantage to the defence forces, which previously relied on slow-moving road convoys to reach the Valley. The new rail connection will also facilitate the swift deployment of paramilitary forces when needed.

Economically, the direct rail link is expected to revolutionise the transportation of dry fruits and apples from Kashmir to distant markets across India. Currently, it takes several days for Kashmiri apples to reach destinations like Delhi due to the slow and often disrupted movement of trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH), which is prone to frequent landslides and road closures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted how the new train service would benefit apple growers in Kashmir. Fruit producers say the direct rail connection will not only reduce travel time but also significantly lower transportation costs.

Fayaz Malik, president of Sopore Fruit Mandi, explained the economic advantage: “Currently, transporting one box of apples from Kashmir to Kolkata by truck costs around Rs 150. With the train, it will be reduced to Rs 20–30. While a truck takes 5–6 days to reach Mumbai, the train will deliver the fruits in just 30 hours.” He added that the rail link will allow growers to access markets that were previously out of reach.

The region’s industrial sector also views the rail link as a transformative development. Rahul Sahai, chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu, described the inauguration of the rail corridor as a “landmark day in the history of J&K.”

“The rail link will be a game-changer for the regional economy. It will open up new avenues for trade, tourism, logistics and industrial linkages. Jammu will emerge as a critical economic hub — a gateway for goods, people, and ideas flowing into and out of the Kashmir Valley,” Sahai said.

He added that the connectivity would bolster local businesses, MSMEs, transporters and the service sector, creating much-needed employment opportunities for the youth.