Kashmir-Kanyakumari Rail Link by 2024: Extensive Infrastructure Upgrades Unveiled for Landmark Connectivity Boost

Kashmir-Kanyakumari Rail Link by 2024: Extensive Infrastructure Upgrades Unveiled for Landmark Connectivity Boost

Asif Iqbal | December 29, 2023 | 11:13 AM IST | Jammu Kashmir, Travel | Follow on Google News

Kashmir-Kanyakumari Rail Link by 2024: Extensive Infrastructure Upgrades Unveiled for Landmark Connectivity Boost.image/RK

Kashmir-Kanyakumari Rail Link by 2024: Extensive Infrastructure Upgrades Unveiled for Landmark Connectivity Boost

Making a momentous stride in enhancing Kashmir’s railway connectivity, officials announced on Thursday that the region will be linked to Kanyakumari by rail by the next year. Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS), revealed that preparations for connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country in 2024 are underway.

The redevelopment of train tracks in Budgam is in progress to facilitate the arrival of long-distance trains in Kashmir. Various vital projects, including the remodeling of the Budgam station, are in full swing. Upgrades such as Food Courts, Parking slots, VVIP waiting rooms, and other facilities are also in the pipeline at the Budgam railway station.

A senior railway officer announced the imminent inauguration of a newly constructed 14.869-kilometer line in the Banihal-Khari section of Firozpur Division. Electrified train services on this route are set to commence soon, representing a significant advancement in the region’s transportation infrastructure.

As part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, a high-speed trial for the Banihal-Khari section is scheduled for January 3, 2024. The trial, supervised by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, aims to ensure strict adherence to safety standards and operational efficiency. The completion of the 3209 meters long Tunnel T-1, located between Katra and Reasi Stations, was highlighted as a major milestone in 2023 under the USBRL Project.

Constructed by the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. for Northern Railway, Tunnel T-1 faced challenges due to the geological characteristics of the area. The tunnel’s alignment traverses the lesser Himalayas, encountering highly jointed and fractured dolomite. Despite challenges, the breakthrough was achieved through a strategic shift in tunneling approaches from conventional NATM to the I-System of Tunneling.

The official acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, approximately 318m of excavation in benching and 680m of concrete lining are pending. Ongoing dedicated efforts, operational round-the-clock, aim to swiftly conclude outstanding tasks and bring the Katra–Banihal railway line closer to commissioning, thereby enhancing connectivity in the region.

Furthermore, sanctioned projects include the doubling of the Baramulla-Banihal section (135.5 kilometers). The Minister highlighted a substantial increase in the annual budget allocation for rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, with a fivefold rise in the fiscal year 2023-24 compared to the period from 2009 to 2014.

The Minister also praised the Chenab railway bridge as an engineering marvel, being one of the highest bridges globally and the highest railway bridge in the country. With successful tests conducted considering factors like high-velocity winds, extreme temperature, seismic activity, and hydrological impact, the bridge stands as a testament to modern engineering.

Additionally, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) of five new railway lines in the Kashmir division, indicating a continued commitment to advancing rail connectivity in the region.

Kashmir-Kanyakumari Rail Link by 2024: Extensive Infrastructure Upgrades Unveiled for Landmark Connectivity Boost:In case of rectification of any error in article , Visit on Correction Policy & Register your Query:

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.