Arun Jasrotia
Jammu:-DD,The long-cherished dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail moved one step closer to reality as the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) approved the newly constructed 17-kilometer Katra-Reasi railway track for commercial freight and passenger operations on Wednesday.
According to the railway officials, CRS Dinesh Chand Deshwal has issued a seven-page authorization letter sanctioning the inauguration for the broad-gauge line between Katra and Reasi stations. The CRS had, in early January, carried out a detailed inspection of the track, which incorporated motor trolley inspection along with a foot patrol and a speed trial from Katra to Banihal. During testing in both directions using a special inspection train pulled by an electric locomotive equipped with OMS devices, speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour were recorded.
Deshwal said that after inspecting all documents, safety certificates, and samples, he was satisfied that all provisions for opening this section for goods and passenger traffic had been met. This crucial approval brings India closer to achieving its vision of seamless connectivity between the country’s northernmost and southernmost points.
There are 38 tunnels along the railway line to Kashmir. The T-49 is the longest railway tunnel of India at a length of 12.75 kilometers. Bridges include 927, such as the world’s highest railway arch bridge over Chenab River in Reasi district standing at a remarkable height of 359 meters.
This milestone marks a significant achievement in India’s ambitious railway infrastructure project, promising to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities in the region while making history in railway engineering.DD
