The Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla rail link (USBRL) project, inaugurated on June 6, 2025, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a major milestone in integrating the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
ArcelorMittal rails and special sections is proud to be part of one of India’s most ambitious and technically demanding infrastructure projects by supplying head-hardened rails, produced in Gijón, Spain, for the Katra – Dharam section.
India’s most iconic and technically challenging railway infrastructure project
Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in northern India and close to the Himalayan mountains, the USBRL is a 272 km railway line designed to connect the Kashmir Valley to the Indian plains, improving connectivity, mobility, and regional integration.
This iconic railway line is not just a marvel of modern engineering; it is a critical lifeline that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
With deep gorges, steep gradients, and high seismic activity, building a railway in this environment demanded not only vision and resolve but also world-class materials and precision engineering, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Chenab bridge, India.
Meeting high-altitude challenges with high-performance rails
The environment of the Katra – Dharam section necessitates materials that can withstand extreme temperature variations, mechanical stress, and heavy axle loads. Our head-hardened rails offer enhanced durability and wear resistance required in such conditions, ensuring a longer service life and lower maintenance requirements.
For the Katra – Dharam section, ArcelorMittal supplied 60E1 head-hardened rails, known for their high durability and resistance to wear – a critical attribute in the region’s demanding conditions.
