Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line nears completion
SRINAGAR, DEC 12: In a historic development for Jammu & Kashmir, the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) is on the verge of completion, heralding a new era of connectivity for the picturesque Kashmir Valley.
The Northern Railway successfully conducted a trial run from Banihal to Khari Railway Station on December 5, signaling the imminent commencement of regular train services.
Once operational, the USBRL will establish a direct train link from the Jammu region to the Kashmir Valley, reducing travel time between Srinagar and Jammu to 3-4 hours, a significant improvement from the current 6 hours.
The project, with a total cost of Rs 37,012.26 crore, is executed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) and Ircon International Ltd.
Despite facing challenges on the 111 km Katra-Banihal stretch, including rugged terrain and a complex riverine system, the project is progressing rapidly. Engineers and workers are tirelessly working to overcome hindrances, with the hope that the full train service will commence early next year.
The USBRL, declared a “National Project” in 2002-03, encompasses remarkable engineering feats, including the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge. The 12.7 km T-49 tunnel stands as Indian Railways’ longest tunnel, utilizing cutting-edge technology like the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for construction.
Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, confirmed the imminent launch of train services and highlighted the strategic significance of the USBRL. He mentioned that the government is also planning to introduce the Vande Bharat Metro train service, offering high-speed travel, comfort, and safety features between Jammu and Srinagar.
The USBRL project is not only anticipated to bypass landslide-prone areas on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway but also promises to boost Kashmir’s economy. The region’s fruit growers will gain better access to outside markets, reducing reliance on the accident-prone NH44. Additionally, the new rail service is expected to enhance J&K’s tourism industry, creating employment opportunities for local youth. As the USBRL project nears its culmination, it holds the promise of transforming the region’s connectivity, bringing economic and social benefits to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
