The Indian Army has successfully inducted tanks, artillery guns, and engineering equipment into the Kashmir Valley using a military special train, marking a significant logistics milestone and strengthening operational preparedness in the region.
The induction was carried out on December 16 as part of a validation exercise aimed at enhancing the Army’s mobility and logistics capability along the northern borders.
What equipment was moved into the Kashmir Valley?
According to the Indian Army, tanks, artillery guns, and dozers were transported from the Jammu region to Anantnag in south Kashmir. The movement was conducted using a military special train as part of a planned validation exercise.
In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said the operation demonstrated enhanced mobility and logistical capability, enabling faster build-up of equipment and supplies in the Valley.
Why is this movement operationally significant?
The induction of heavy military equipment into the Kashmir Valley by rail represents a substantial boost to the Army’s logistics and mobility. It enables rapid deployment and sustainment of forces, particularly during periods of heightened operational requirement or adverse weather conditions.
The Army said the move strengthens operational readiness and improves the ability to support units deployed in challenging terrain along the northern borders.
What role did the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link play?
The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways and leveraged the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The Army said the successful movement underscored the strategic impact of the rail link in improving connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link in June. Built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, the 272-km rail line passes through difficult Himalayan terrain and provides all-weather rail connectivity to the landlocked Valley.
Has the Army used the rail link earlier for logistics?
The Army has progressively utilised the rail link since its inauguration. Three months after the project was opened, freight trains were used to stock supplies for units deployed in Kashmir ahead of winter.
In mid-September, the Army transported 753 metric tonnes of advance winter supplies from Jammu to the Valley using rail connectivity.
The Army has said such initiatives reflect its ongoing efforts to enhance logistics capability and ensure sustained operational preparedness in the Himalayan region.