Surinder Sharma
Following the successful completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which connected Kashmir to the rest of India by train, preparations are now underway to extend rail connectivity to Ladakh. A survey is currently being conducted for a new railway section between Srinagar and Ladakh.
Once completed, this new line will not only connect Ladakh to Jammu & Kashmir but also integrate it with the national railway network. With USBRL now operational, the government plans to advance the rail link further towards Leh-Ladakh.
Given Ladakh’s strategic location near the Chinese border, the establishment of railway services in the region holds significant defense importance. In light of ongoing border tensions with China, ensuring rail access to Ladakh has become even more critical.
The central government is prioritizing seamless, all-weather logistical support for the armed forces, especially in remote border areas. Navigating snow-covered mountains, rivers, and challenging terrains, the government views this next phase of the rail project as a strategic challenge and commitment to national security and regional development.