JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a major transformation in its railway infrastructure with the Indian Railways undertaking extensive upgrades in track maintenance and passenger coach facilities.

The inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, marked a turning point in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

This new link, which includes the engineering marvels of the Chenab and Anji bridges, has paved the way for the deployment of advanced machinery and modern amenities in the region.

The introduction of modern track maintenance machines in the Kashmir Valley has replaced the earlier manual methods, significantly enhancing the quality and safety of railway operations.

Since early June, a tamping machine has been in operation, aligning and stabilising railway tracks by packing ballast underneath. This machine has covered around 88 kilometres of track so far, contributing to smoother train rides.

Additionally, four Ballast Cleaning Machines (BCMs) have been deployed, with two of them joining the fleet in July. These machines have deep-screened nearly 14 kilometres of track, ensuring cleaner and more stable track conditions.

To support these efforts, 17 ballast rakes carrying stone chips were sent from depots in Kathua, Qazigund, Madhopur, and Jind. Approximately 19,000 cubic metres of ballast have been laid across the valley's railway tracks.

Track Recording Car and Oscillation Monitoring System runs were conducted in June and July respectively to assess the quality of the tracks. These assessments have helped in identifying areas that need further attention, ensuring targeted maintenance for optimal performance.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the role of technology in improving safety and working conditions for railway staff. He said that the government is focusing on upgrading track fittings and adopting scientific maintenance practices using ultrasound fracture detection machines, road-cum-rail vehicles, and AI-based defect detection systems.

These changes are expected to significantly improve the overall safety of train operations. As of early 2025, around 78 percent of the country's tracks support speeds of 110 kmph or more, compared to just 39 percent in 2014. This growth is particularly notable given the increase in total track length to over 1 lakh kilometres, up from 79,342 kilometres a decade ago.

Parallel to the track upgrades, Indian Railways has also launched an overhaul of the passenger coaches operating in the Kashmir Valley. Earlier, due to the absence of a direct rail link, DEMU and MEMU rakes had to be transported on road trailers from Budgam to Lucknow for maintenance. This was not only cumbersome but also inefficient. With the new rail link operational, these rakes are now being brought to the Charbagh workshop in Lucknow and the Jalandhar shed through rail for periodic overhauling.

Several rakes have already undergone or are currently undergoing maintenance. One MEMU rake has been fully overhauled and is back in service, while another is expected to be ready by the end of July.

Two DEMU rakes have been or are being serviced at Charbagh, with one set to return by mid-August. Another DEMU rake under renovation in Jalandhar is expected to be operational by the end of July. Four additional DEMU rakes are scheduled for upgradation in the coming weeks.

The upgraded rakes are being fitted with enhanced features to improve passenger comfort and safety. These include anti-graffiti PU exterior painting, bio-toilets with new water pumps, refurbished polycarbonate seating, new standing handles, renewed PVC flooring, buffed stainless steel fixtures, upgraded hopper windows, functional passenger information systems, better mobile charging sockets, and improved power panels for uninterrupted water system operation.

All passenger coach upgradation works in the valley are expected to be completed by August 31, 2025. With these developments, Indian Railways is not only ensuring better travel experiences for passengers in Jammu & Kashmir but is also reinforcing its role as the backbone of the nation's transportation network. The opening of the Jammu-Srinagar rail link and the ongoing enhancement efforts are poised to become a new lifeline for the people of the region.