Significant progress achieved USBRL rail project
SRINAGAR, JAN 03: In a major leap towards enhanced connectivity, the direct train to Kashmir from the rest of the country is poised to become a reality as the Commissioner of Railways Safety (CRS) conducted the second round of statutory inspection on the crucial Banihal-Khari section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on Wednesday.
The 14.869 km track, which connects Banihal to Khari, is a pivotal component of the ambitious USBRL project, aiming to link Kashmir with the rest of the country through a comprehensive railway network. The Khari railway station, nestled in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, is strategically located between Banihal and Katra, marking progress on the remaining 111 km stretch of the USBRL.
Residents received a boost on December 6 last year when the Northern Railways successfully conducted the first trial run of an electric train from Banihal to Khari. The recent inspection by CRS Dinesh Chand Deshwal signals a positive step towards the commissioning of this section, bringing Kashmir closer to nationwide rail connectivity.
Officials have revealed that the railway link to Kashmir is expected to be fully operational in 2024, with ongoing efforts to upgrade facilities across various stations. Budgam station, in particular, is undergoing redevelopment, including remodelling and the addition of amenities such as food courts, parking slots, and VVIP waiting rooms.
A senior railway officer announced the imminent inauguration of the 14.869-kilometre line in the Banihal-Khari section, emphasizing the electrified train services set to begin soon. As part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, a high-speed trial for the Banihal-Khari section is scheduled on January 3, 2024, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
The completion of the 3209-meter-long Tunnel T-1, situated between Katra and Reasi Stations, marked a significant milestone in 2023. Despite the achievements, approximately 318 meters of excavation in benching and 680 meters of concrete lining remain to be completed to bring the Katra–Banihal railway line closer to its commissioning.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has recently approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for five new railway lines in the Kashmir division, including the doubling of the Baramulla-Banihal section (135.5 kilometres). The minister highlighted a fivefold increase in the annual budget allocation for rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, reaching an impressive Rs 6003 crores in the fiscal year 2023-24, indicating a commitment to enhancing connectivity in the region.
