Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a major expansion of rail, road and aviation infrastructure, with several projects aimed at improving year-round connectivity, strengthening trade and tourism, and integrating the region more closely with the national economy.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), inaugurated in June 2025, has emerged as a key infrastructure project, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network through some of the country’s most challenging mountainous terrain.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, the 272-km railway project passes through Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla districts.
The project includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. More than 215 km of supporting roads have also been constructed, while the entire railway corridor has been electrified. The project has generated over five crore person-days of employment.
Among its major engineering achievements is the Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi district, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Inaugurated in June 2025, the 1,315-metre-long bridge stands 359 metres above the riverbed and has an arch span of 467 metres.
The USBRL project also includes the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, supported by a 193-metre-high tower, and the 12.77-km Tunnel T50, which connects Khari and Sumber.
Passenger connectivity has improved with the introduction of Vande Bharat Express services between Katra and Srinagar in June 2025. The service was extended to Jammu Tawi in April 2026, reducing travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to less than five hours.
The trains have been expanded from eight to 20 coaches and are equipped with systems designed to operate in extreme weather and high-altitude conditions.
Railway infrastructure is also being strengthened through station redevelopment and proposed network expansion. Four stations in Jammu and Kashmir have been identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Udhampur and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Proposed railway projects include a 216-km third line between Jalandhar Cantonment and Jammu Tawi, a 78-km additional line between Jammu and Katra, and a 190-km railway line connecting Jammu or Reasi with Poonch.
Road and Tunnel Projects to Improve All-Weather Connectivity
Road infrastructure is also being expanded to improve access to remote and border areas.
In August 2026, foundation stones were laid for 110 road projects covering 598.455 km under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV.
The projects, estimated to cost more than Rs 1,500 crore, are expected to benefit 46,972 people across the Udhampur, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar regions.
Tunnel development remains another major focus of infrastructure expansion.
The 6.4-km Sonamarg Tunnel, also known as the Z-Morh Tunnel, was inaugurated in January 2025 at a cost exceeding Rs 2,700 crore. The project provides all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, improving access to tourist destinations and reducing disruptions caused by avalanches and landslides.
Meanwhile, the 13.153-km Zojila Tunnel, being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1, is expected to provide year-round road connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Rs 6,808-crore project achieved a major construction milestone with the breakthrough of its main tunnel in June 2026.
Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from approximately two hours to 30 minutes, while improving defence logistics, trade and tourism.
Other major road projects include the 667-km Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, sections of which were inaugurated in July 2026. The corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra from around 14 hours to nearly six hours.
The Rafiabad-Kupwara road widening project and the Rs 224.44-crore Shopian Bypass are also aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce.
Srinagar Airport Expansion to Boost Aviation Capacity
Air connectivity is being strengthened through the expansion of Srinagar International Airport and plans to develop regional aviation infrastructure.
In February 2026, the government approved a Rs 1,677-crore expansion of the civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport.
The project includes a new 71,500-square-metre terminal building designed to handle 10 million passengers annually and up to 2,900 passengers during peak hours.
The expanded airport will have 15 aircraft parking bays and a multi-level parking facility accommodating 1,000 cars.
The terminal will incorporate elements of traditional Kashmiri architecture and sustainable construction practices, including rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and locally sourced materials.
Regional airports at Udhampur and Kishtwar are also planned under the UDAN scheme to improve air connectivity in areas beyond major urban centres.
Cargo Infrastructure to Strengthen Trade and Local Economy
Alongside passenger transport, the government is expanding logistics infrastructure to improve the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods and other commodities.
Under the PM Gati Shakti framework, a multimodal cargo terminal commissioned in Samba in 2024 is operational.
In-principle approvals have also been granted for three additional cargo terminals in Kathua, Anantnag and Jammu districts.
The terminals are expected to facilitate freight movement and improve market access for local farmers, traders and businesses.
Improved transport connectivity is also expected to support the movement of Kashmir’s agricultural and traditional products, including apples, saffron, dry fruits, pashmina shawls and handicrafts, to markets across the country.
The expansion of railways, highways, tunnels, airports and logistics facilities is aimed at reducing geographical isolation, promoting tourism, strengthening border connectivity and creating economic opportunities for communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
[DD news]