Arun Jasrotia
Jammu :DD,An 18-coach trial train ran successfully on the Katra-Budgam railway track of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on Sunday. The trial train left from Katra railway station at 8 a.m. and reached Budgam, which is the end point of the final trial run, according to railway officials.
USBRL is a Marvel of Engineering Worth Rs 41,000 Crore
The ambitious USBRL project, completed at a cost of Rs 41,000 crore, spans 326 kilometers, with 111 kilometers running through tunnels. The project features the T-49 tunnel, stretching 12.77 kilometers, making it India’s longest railway tunnel.
Indian Railways has marked history with the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. It stands 359 meters above the river bed between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district on a total length of 1,315 meters with an arch span of 467 meters. The single-track railway bridge connects Sangaldan and Reasi Railway Stations.
India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge across Anji Khad is the other engineering marvel. The 331 meters height of the bridge deck above the riverbed was supported by one pylon raised to a staggering 193 meters high, similar to the height of a 77-story building. Construction presented unique challenges due to strong winds and mountainous terrain.
The USBRL project is one of the most demanding railway projects undertaken in the world so far, which will cross challenging topography and climatic conditions. This infrastructure development project promises to transform connectivity by developing sectors like horticulture, agriculture, tourism, trade, and education and facilitating easy travel between Kashmir and the rest of India.
This would be culminated by the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service from Katra to Baramulla by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The official inauguration date is not yet announced but will be the final step for this transformative infrastructure project.DD