The Army has achieved a major strategic milestone by successfully operating its first exclusive freight train along the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), with the inaugural run taking place between BD Bari near Samba and Anantnag on September 12-13.

The train transported 753 metric tons of Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) load for Army units deployed across Jammu and Kashmir, marking a decisive step in strengthening logistics preparedness ahead of the harsh Himalayan winter.

This pioneering logistical shift significantly reduces dependence on vulnerable road convoys, which often face disruption during heavy snowfall, landslides, and monsoon floods.

The USBRL freight operation directly enhances the Army’s ability to maintain uninterrupted supply chains for formations operating in Kashmir, with further implications for extending logistical reach into high-altitude sectors such as Kargil and Ladakh. The move signals a transformative change in winter stocking operations, reducing risk, lowering turnaround time, and reinforcing military readiness in key operational theatres.

Alongside its military value, the initiative carried a symbolic dual-use component: the return rake, instead of returning empty, will carry Kashmiri apples to markets across India.

This innovative integration of civil and military logistics provides local farmers a reliable, all-weather avenue to transport their produce, thus reducing economic losses previously caused by frequent road blockages. In effect, the Army’s operational preparedness is now coupled with tangible socio-economic benefits for the region.

The USBRL itself is a landmark national infrastructure venture, constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2025. Stretching 272 km through one of the toughest Himalayan terrains, the link ensures all-weather connectivity to Kashmir and is reinforced with impressive engineering feats.

The line incorporates 36 main tunnels spanning approximately 120 km, eight escape tunnels for safety, and 943 bridges across major rivers, gorges, and valleys. Its crown jewel is the Chenab bridge, an engineering marvel standing 359 metres above the riverbed and recognized as the world’s highest railway arch bridge.

This connectivity initiative completes an enduring national vision, integrating Kashmir with India’s railway grid and ensuring strategic, economic, and social dividends.

By running dedicated freight services on USBRL, the Army has demonstrated an adaptable and forward-looking supply chain model where military preparedness aligns with local development needs.

It strengthens operational resilience, reduces logistic vulnerability, and creates sustainable synergies with the civil sector. Strategically, this event marks the beginning of a new era in Himalayan logistics — blending defence imperatives with national integration and regional prosperity.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)