Watch a video of the train to Srinagar: https://timesofabetterindia.com/videos/the-baramulla-banihal-train-ride-in-kashmir-an-engineering-marvel

The train line to Srinagar is part of the Baramulla-Banihal train line – beyond being an engineering marvel it is also a strategically vital link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Construction of the route faced natural challenges including major earthquake zones, extreme temperatures and inhospitable terrain. The project has had a long and chequered history, and serious progress was made only after it was declared a National Project of India in 2002. Although its scheduled completion date was 15 August 2007, unforeseen complications have pushed back the date several times. The extension of railway line up to Kupwara is also approved.

The project is part of the larger effort to create the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line in Jammu and Kashmir – this is expected to be an economic game-changer for the people of the region and the entire project is expected to be completed by December 2023. The challenges are numerous with all the construction taking place in the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains, falling in seismically the highly active zones IV &V. The railways are also building almost 200 kms of approach roads in the hills. Together with the railway line, this network will connect hitherto almost inaccessible villages.