Indian Railways is on an electrification mission for a 42-kilometer long stretch including the longest rail tunnel spanning 12.8 kilometers, at Pir Panjal range on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. This project marks a significant development in the construction of the Jammu-Udhampur-Katra-Quazigund-Baramulla Railway line, which is hailed as the largest construction of a mountain railway line in India since independence. With a total length of 345 kilometers and running at a height of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, the railway line is crucial for connectivity and transportation in the region.
Tech company Siemens Limited has provided all the rail electrification technologies for this 42-km stretch. Gunjan Vakharia, Head of Mobility Business at Siemens Limited, said, “We are extremely proud to be associated with this project, which is of national importance. The installation team overcame challenges such as extreme temperatures and unexplored terrain to ensure a successful execution of the project. We would like to thank the Indian Railways for their continued trust and support to Siemens.”
State-of-the-art rail electrification technologies
The electrification work encompasses the design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 25kV overhead equipment and associated infrastructure. The project highlights the use of state-of-the-art rail electrification technologies for complex and demanding railway projects.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link holds strategic importance for enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development in the region. By electrifying this stretch of railway line, the Railways will contribute to the modernization and efficiency of India’s rail network, facilitating smoother and more sustainable transportation.
As India continues to invest in expanding its railway network, projects like this play a crucial role in fostering growth, connectivity, and progress across the nation.