Kashmir Railway Network: A Train Route Connecting the Pir Panjal Range to Other Regions!
Do you know that the Chenab Bridge is the world’s highest railway arch bridge? The bridge has been the talk of the town for quite some time now. If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Kashmir valley while taking a train ride, this post will let you dive into the recently opened Kashmir Railway Network. Also, don’t forget to check out affordable hotels in Jammu and other cities while exploring the valley.
Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory of India, is a popular tourist destination, known for its pleasant weather, serene views and pilgrimage sites including the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Amarnath Temple. The Kashmir Railway Network is significant in connecting the valley with the rest of the country. This 324 kms long Jammu-Baramulla line includes the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). The route has been fully operational from 7th June 2025 and has remarkably reduced the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by 4 hours from 7 hours to 3 hours.
Historic Significance:
The Kashmir Railway network is the century-old dream of the Dogra Maharajas in Jammu and Kashmir. The foundation of the route was laid by Maharaja Pratap Singh on 1st March, 1892, and Maharaja Ranbir Singh continued to explore the possibilities of building a rail link to the Kashmir Valley.
The four different routes were studied to connect Punjab with Srinagar. These included the Banihal route from Jammu, the Poonch route through the Jhelum Valley, the Panjar route from Rawalpindi and the Abbottabad route through Hazara. The Indian Railways conducted detailed surveys around the narrow-gauge and broad-gauge tracks. But the project was delayed due to harsh weather, tough terrain, limited resources and political challenges.
However, after years of planning, hard work and technological development, the dream to connect the valley with other regions of the country has now turned into a reality.
Key Landmarks on the Kashmir Railway Network:
The Kashmir Railway Network includes around 1000 bridges and 36 tunnels, offering stunning views of the valley. There are significant milestones achieved while constructing the route, which include:
- Chenab Bridge: 1315 mts long and 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, it is the world’s highest railway bridge.
- Anji Khad Bridge: 725 mts long and 331 mts above the riverbed, it is India’s first cable-stayed railway Bridge.
- Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel (Banihal Railway Tunnel): 11.215 kms long, 8.4 m wide and 7.39 m high, it is India’s longest railway tunnel as of 2025.
Tourist Places Connected Through the Kashmir Railway Network:
1. Katra:
The city is the base location to begin the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple trek. The Kashmir Railway network connects the Katra Railway Station to the rest of the Indian railway network. Other tourist attractions around the area include Shalimar Park, Bhairo Baba Temple and Dera Baba Banda.
You can book a stay at Treebo hotels in Katra, located near the railway station, for ease of accessibility and a comfortable stay.
2. Pahalgam:
Located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 2200 mts, Pahalgam (the village of shepherds), is a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Known for its pleasant weather, lush greenery, it is also the base location to begin the Amarnath Temple Yatra. Through the Kashmir Railway network, the journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam takes just one hour.
You can also book a stay at Treebo hotels in Srinagar, offering private cab service to help you explore Pahalgam at your leisure.
3. Aharbal:
It is a popular hill station in the south-western part of the Kashmir Valley, located south of Srinagar. The place is popular for Aharbal Waterfall, which is also known as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir. Just 2 kms from the waterfall, lies the oldest fossil site in Jammu and Kashmir
While travelling on the Kashmir Railway network, it is just 44 kms away from the Anantnag Railway Station.
More tourist places connected to Kashmir Railway Network:
4. Gulmarg:
Known as the meadow of flowers in Kashmiri, it is a serene hill station located in the Baramulla district of the Kashmir Valley. The town is surrounded by the Pir Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas and offers a relaxing getaway in the lush green valley, which turns into a winter wonderland. It is also a popular site for skiing and other snow activities, which is located just 49 kms from Srinagar.
For a comfortable and affordable stay, you can book a stay at Treebo hotels near Srinagar Railway Station, Srinagar, offering modern amenities and easy access to transit stations.
5. Anantnag:
Located 53 kms away from the capital city, Srinagar, it is the third largest city in Jammu and Kashmir. Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki is one of the oldest mosques in the city. Builders constructed the Martand Sun Temple around the 8th century, making it a popular pilgrimage and archaeological site to visit in the union territory.”
If you wish to embark on a train journey, then Anantnag Railway Station is situated on the Banihal-Baramulla railway line of the Kashmir Railway network.
- Dal Lake: Known as the “Lake of Flowers”, “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”, Dal Lake is a freshwater lake in Srinagar. It is the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir and one of the most visited places in Srinagar by both tourists and locals. Various tourist attractions like Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh, and Nishat Bagh surround the lake, which is dotted with vibrant and colourful houseboats.
You can enjoy a relaxing getaway and explore these tourist attractions at your convenience by staying at budget-friendly Treebo hotels in Srinagar.
- Lolab Valley: The “fruit bowl of Kashmir”, Lolab Valley is one of serene and secluded places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, located in the Kupwara district. Many ancient springs lie in this oval-shaped valley, which dense forests of deodar, kair, budul, pine, and fir cover. While exploring the surroundings, you will find numerous fruit trees such as apple, cherry, peach, apricot and walnut.
You can reach the valley by road by taking a bus or a cab from Srinagar or taking a train to Baramulla Railway Station, which is 64 kms away from Kupwara.
Thus, the Kashmir Railway network has not just shortened the travel time, but has also made some of the hidden gems of the valley accessible to the visitors. Taking a journey through the iconic bridges and tracks, you can enjoy a lifetime experience of heavenly landscapes. Moreover, the Treebo Club offers affordable and comfortable stays at Treebo hotels in Jammu, Katra and Srinagar, located near the railway stations. So, start planning your trip to Kashmir Valley and book your stay from Treebo Club’s website or app for exciting offers and a safe and comfortable stay.
