Beyond its impact on tourism, the new rail link is expected to energise the local economy. Kashmir’s apple, walnut, almond, and saffron producers hope the improved connectivity will eliminate logistical bottlenecks, reduce spoilage, and attract greater investment.

PM Modi inaugurated the world's tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River, a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project that connects Kashmir to the rest of India. He also opened India's first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji and flagged off two Vande Bharat trains.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated one of the most ambitious and strategic railway projects the nation has ever built.