Train to Kashmir runs on the track of trust and hope

For more than a century, the idea of a railway to Kashmir remained a dream postponed by wars, terrain, and political hesitation. Now, with the completion of the Katra-Baramulla section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), India has stitched together one of its most difficult geographies with steel, stone, and unshakable will.

- Sarabjit Arjan Singh

It is a quiet but profound moment in India's relationship with Kashmir—a moment when the promise of inclusion is made tangible, and the long shadow of distance is finally lifted. That the rail link now stands completed—after nearly four decades of construction—is testament to what sustained political commitment, technological daring, and ground-level grit can achieve.

This has deep economic implications, of course. For Kashmir's farmers and horticulturalists—especially those growing apples, walnuts, almonds, and saffron—reliable, all-weather connectivity opens access to national markets. Goods that once risked spoilage on snow-blocked roads or faced high costs on air freight can now move quickly and cheaply by rail. Early estimates suggest that farmers could see a 20-30% rise in earnings, thanks to reduced wastage and improved market access.

Tourism, long a pillar of Kashmir's economy, also stands to gain. The rail line offers a safer, more comfortable alternative to the treacherous Jammu-Srinagar highway and expensive flights. This will make the Valley more accessible to middle-class families—boosting hospitality services, transport operators, guides, and craftspeople. If managed well, the railway could herald a renaissance in travel-led employment and small enterprise.