Indian Railways to Inaugurate Key Section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project on February 20

Indian Railways to Inaugurate Key Section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project on February 20

Asif Iqbal | February 17, 2024 | 01:27 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir, Travel | Follow on Google News

Indian Railways to Inaugurate Key Section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project on February 20.image/daily excelsior

Indian Railways to Inaugurate Key Section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project on February 20

The Indian Railways is set to launch train services on the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, a pivotal 48.1-kilometre stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, on February 20.

Connecting Dreams:

“We will get a step closer to realizing our dream to connect Srinagar with Kanyakumari,” a source in the railways expressed. The USBRL project, heralded as one of the most ambitious Himalayan railway initiatives post-Independence, aims to establish an all-weather, comfortable, and economically-feasible transportation network, linking remote Himalayan areas with the rest of the country.

Landmark Infrastructure:

The Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, constructed at a cost of Rs 15,863 crore, is ready for operation. It features 16 bridges, including the country’s longest transportation tunnel, T-50, stretching 12.77 kilometres. The challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal ranges is overcome by 11 tunnels covering 43.37 kilometres, ensuring safety with three escape tunnels spanning 30.1 kilometres.

Technological Advancements:

To enhance passenger safety and comfort, advanced features like ballastless tracks and canted turnouts, a first for Indian Railways, have been incorporated. The section is equipped with CCTV monitoring, state-of-the-art tunnel-safety technology, ventilation, and firefighting systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to virtually inaugurate the section, marking a significant milestone in the USBRL project. The project, spanning 272 kilometres, seeks to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region and the national rail network, with 161 kilometres already commissioned.

For safety and rescue, three escape tunnels with a combined length of 30.1 kilometres have been constructed. Additionally, the electrification of the Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section, serving 19 railway stations, is complete, enabling the operation of state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains.

The total cost of electrification is Rs 470.23 crore, facilitating high-altitude operations with specialized equipment. Noteworthy features include 25-KV OHE inside the longest operational tunnel (tunnel T-80 in the Banihal-Quazigund section) and 132/33-KV traction substations at altitudes exceeding 1,600 MSL.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.