Prime Minister Modi said that Kashmir is now connected of the rest of India by train. He called it a sign of unity and strong will. He was speaking at rally in Katra after opening the Udhampur- Srinagar -Baramulla Rail Line and the Chenab Bridge. He also added that people can now travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari by train, making a long-time dream of Indians come true. It was inaugurated on 6th June 2025 (Friday) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a world’s highest railway bridge.
India has reached a historic milestone with the completion of a railway route from Kanyakumari to Baramulla, Kashmir. Named the Trans Indian Railway, this historic project now connected Indias southern tip to its northernmost point – fulfilling a vision that was set in motion more than 100 years ago. Comparable to the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Canadian Railways, this achievement is not just an engineering triumph but also a significant national integration milestone.
A Vision Born in 1884
The idea of connecting Jammu and Kashmir by rail dates back to 1884, first envisioned by Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. It has taken 141 years of vision, planning, setbacks, and perseverance to bring this dream to life. Today, in 2025, the final segment of the route has been completed, officially linking Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley with Northern Railway’s national network.
Overcoming the Middle Himalayas: An Engineering Challenge
One of the most difficult phases of the project was the Katra to Sangaldan stretch, situated within the Pir Panjal range of the Middle Himalayas. The region’s seismically active, fault-ridden, and landslide-prone geography posed significant challenges.
Key topographical difficulties included:
- Discontinuous mountain ranges
- Frequent landslides and avalanches
- Extreme elevation differences
- High seismic activity due to tectonic collision (Indian plate under Eurasian plate)
Advanced engineering, geological assessments, and state-of-the-art tunneling technology were deployed to navigate these hazards.
Iconic Engineering Feats: Anji & Chenab Bridges
Despite the treacherous terrain, the Trans-Indian Railway boasts two globally recognized architectural marvels:
| Bridge | Key Facts |
| Anji Bridge | India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, located between Katra and Reasi. |
| Chenab Bridge | World’s highest railway arch bridge, 359 meters (1,178 ft) tall—taller than the Eiffel Tower. Features a parabolic arch design and can resist wind speeds up to 266 km/h. Designed with input from a female professor named Prof.G. Madhavi Latha at IISc Bangalore. |
Trans-Indian Railway Project Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
| 1980s & 1997 | Project received renewed attention and funding boosts |
| 2005 | Completion of Jammu to Udhampur (55 km) segment |
| 2014 | Operationalization of the Udhampur to Katra segment |
| 2019 | Opening of the intra-valley route (Baramulla to Srinagar, Anantnag, Qazigund) |
| 2023 | Completion of Sangaldan to Banihal segment, including the Pir Panjal Tunnel |
| 2024 | Most challenging segment, Sangaldan to Katra, finally completed |
| 2025 | Full route from Kanyakumari to Baramulla now fully functional |
Massive Scale of the Jammu–Baramulla Section
The 320 km stretch between Jammu and Baramulla alone involved the construction of:
- 36 tunnels
- 943 bridges
- Numerous tech breakthrough in design, tunneling, and terrain support showcase the engineering challenges and strong national dedication behind the project.
Strategic and National Importance
Beyond transportation, the Trans-Indian Railway has deep strategic, cultural, and socio-economic implications:
- Boosts national integration
- Promotes tourism in Kashmir
- Provides faster military and civilian movement
- Strengthens local economies through improved connectivity
This railway is more than just infrastructure—it’s a bridge between people, cultures, and geographies.
A Century-Old Dream Realized
The Trans-Indian Railway, connecting Kanyakumari to Kashmir, stands as a monument to determination, innovation, and unity. From the vision of Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1884 to the project’s final execution in 2025, India has turned a dream into a reality.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Total Route | Kanyakumari to Baramulla |
| Total Duration | 141 years from initial vision to completion |
| Total Length (Jammu–Baramulla) | 317 km |
| Iconic Structures | Anji Bridge, Chenab Bridge |
| Terrain | Middle Himalayas, seismic, landslide-prone |
| Tunnel Count | 36 |
| Bridge Count | 943 |
What Lies Ahead?
With this historic project complete, India now looks forward to maximizing the socio-economic potential of this route while ensuring maintenance and environmental stability in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.
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For visuals and the official documentary, visit this YouTube channel
