![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
As winter sets in, the Indian Army has operationalized its first dedicated freight train along the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). The train ran from BD Bari to Anantnag between September 12 and 13, delivering over 750 metric tonnes of winter supplies to forward units stationed in the Kashmir Valley.
This development marks a strategic shift in how the Army prepares for harsh winter conditions. Traditionally reliant on vulnerable road routes prone to landslides and closures, the Army can now stock essential supplies well in advance using the more reliable rail corridor.
But the impact of this move goes beyond military readiness. In a notable example of civil–military integration, the same freight train will carry Kashmiri apples on its return trip, connecting local growers directly with markets across India.
It helps bypass logistical hurdles that have historically resulted in significant losses for farmers during peak harvest season. The initiative reflects a broader commitment by the Indian Army to contribute to national development beyond its security responsibilities. By utilising shared infrastructure for both defence and civilian needs, the Army is playing a pivotal role in improving regional connectivity and economic resilience in Jammu & Kashmir.
This dual-purpose use of the USBRL line strengthens not just border preparedness but also brings tangible benefits to communities in one of India’s most challenging terrains.
Team BharatShakti
