Historic Milestone: Train Connectivity to Kashmir Valley Nears Reality, Says Railways Minister
111 km Rail Link: 97 km Tunnels and 6 km Bridges Connecting Jammu to Kashmir Near Completion
New Delhi, Jan 11: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the long-anticipated train service connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley is on the brink of commencing operations. Speaking at an event at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, where he reviewed the new Amrit Bharat train coaches and other key projects, Vaishnaw highlighted the monumental efforts involved in completing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
“This is a significant milestone for the nation, fulfilling a long-standing dream of connecting the Kashmir Valley via a railway network,” the minister remarked. “The project demonstrates engineering brilliance and unwavering determination, having navigated some of the most challenging geographical and climatic conditions.”
The railway line, stretching 111 kilometers, is a marvel of modern engineering, with 97 kilometers passing through tunnels and 6 kilometers over bridges. Among its standout features is the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, symbolizing India’s infrastructure achievements.
Vaishnaw revealed that the construction of the railway line is now complete, with the critical Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection finalized on January 8 and 9. “Once the CRS report is received, train services will begin shortly,” he confirmed.
He also unveiled plans for a specially designed Vande Bharat train tailored to the region’s unique climatic challenges. “With temperatures in the valley often plummeting to -10°C or -20°C, the train has been adapted to handle extreme cold. Electrical systems, electronics, and wheel connections have been optimized to ensure smooth operations under these conditions,” Vaishnaw explained.
The Katra-Banihal section, a crucial link in the USBRL project, underwent successful speed trials during the CRS inspection. This section bridges the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley, overcoming the area’s complex topography through a network of advanced tunnels and safety mechanisms.
The minister expressed pride in the achievement, calling the project “a dream come true for the nation.” The upcoming rail service is expected to transform connectivity in the region, boost tourism, and provide a new lifeline for trade and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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