Srinagar: With an investment of Rs 30,139 crore, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is all set to redefine connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
Spanning 272 kilometers through the challenging Himalayan terrain, the project has been in development for several years and is now nearing its much-anticipated completion.
Senior engineers and technical staff associated with USBRL said that the project is recognized as of national importance and will foster economic growth and integration.
“One of the most remarkable feats of this initiative is its traversal through rugged and mountainous landscapes, which posed unique engineering challenges. Despite these obstacles, the project boasts several engineering marvels, including the Chenab Bridge. Towering at 359 meters above the river bed, it holds the distinction of being the world’s highest railway bridge,” says a senior railway official, who has been working with the project for the past three years.
The construction of this rail link, he said, has not only connected communities but also generated substantial employment opportunities for thousands in the region.” Its impact on the local economy is already being felt. Improved connectivity is expected to attract tourists in greater numbers, offering easier access to the scenic beauty of the Kashmir Valley and boosting the region’s tourism industry.”
The USBRL project, as per a senior engineer, has incorporated state-of-the-art safety measures, such as earthquake-resistant structures, ensuring the safety and reliability of the railway network. “Environmental considerations have also been a priority, with efforts made to minimize ecological impact and protect the region’s natural heritage during construction.”
With the final stages of the project underway, regular train services to Srinagar are expected to begin soon. “Once operational, the USBRL will not only facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people but also transform the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is a crucial step toward integrating the region more closely with the rest of India.” KNO
Trial run on Katra-Banihal line successful
Meandering through the Himalayas and snow-capped mountains, the first trial train successfully ran on the Katra-Banihal section on Saturday, in a crucial step towards the final statutory safety inspection next week to determine the commencement of rail services to Kashmir.
The Railways has conducted six trials over the past month on various segments of the track, including major milestones such as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab at Kauri – the world’s highest railway bridge.
“Under the safety trials, we conducted today’s trial. We were part of this run, and it was successful,” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) Sandeep Gupta told reporters.
He said that the Commissioner of Railway Safety would conduct statutory inspections and trials on January 7 and 8. “After that, the commissioner will submit a report, which will guide further action on starting train services to Kashmir,” he said.
“Everything has worked well so far. We will return to Katra at a speed of 75 kmph. When the Commissioner of Railway Safety conducts trials, they will be at 110 kmph. This trial is in preparation for that,” Gupta added.
The first train run, conducted between Katra and Banihal, thrilled passengers as it passed through snow-covered mountains, where nature’s beauty met engineering marvels.
The train reached Banihal railway station around 1:30 pm, officials said.
Gupta, along with officials from USBRL, Northern Railway, and construction companies, was onboard.
The USBRL project aims to provide rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
The Anji Khad Bridge, featuring a single pylon rising 331 m above the riverbed, is another engineering milestone achieved under the USBRL project.Jammu and Kashmir tourism
Described as a “true engineering marvel”, the bridge has 48 cables on its lateral and central spans. Construction of the pylon began in 2017, with the structure now standing 191 m above its foundation level.
It is the second-highest railway bridge after the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab at Kauri, which is the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 metres above the riverbed – 35 m taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The Anji Khad Bridge has a total length of 473.25 m, with the viaduct spanning 120 m and the central embankment measuring 94.25 m.
In November, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train connecting Kashmir to New Delhi on the USBRL project in January.
With the expected commissioning of train services in phases, the Railways will complete 255 km of the 272-kilometre USBRL project, leaving only a small stretch between Katra and Reasi to be finished by December. (Agencies)
