Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone with the inaugural trial run of a train from Sangaldan to Reasi, marking a crucial step towards connecting Kashmir to the national rail network via the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials anticipate that regular travel between the Valley and the rest of India will commence within the next 4-5 months.
Context Amid Challenges
This development follows closely after the recent tragic terror attack in Reasi that claimed nine lives, underscoring both the region’s challenges and its resilience. The trial run also coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Srinagar to commemorate International Yoga Day.
Minister’s Announcement
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw celebrated the successful trial in a social media update, noting the imminent completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, except for tunnel No. 1 which remains partially unfinished.
Safety Inspections and Future Plans
Commissioner of Railways Safety is slated to conduct a comprehensive inspection later this month for the Sangaldan-Reasi section. Once fully operational, the USBRL project, spanning 272 km, will connect several districts including Anantnag, Pulwama, Sopian, Badgam, Srinagar, and Baramulla to the national rail network.
Engineering Marvel
The highlight of the project is the Chenab rail bridge, standing at a towering height of 359 meters above the river, surpassing the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters. It has undergone rigorous testing for stability and safety, including tests for high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures, and earthquake resilience.
Future Prospects
The final stretch of the USBRL project, a 17 km segment between Reasi and Katra, remains to be completed. Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to endure winds up to 260 kmph and serve for over 120 years.
This achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for Indian Railways but also promises to enhance connectivity and socio-economic development in the region, reinforcing its integration with the national transportation network.
