Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the long-awaited train service connecting Jammu and Kashmir valley will begin shortly. The project, a remarkable feat of engineering, has successfully overcome major geographical and climatic challenges to make this connection a reality.
While inspecting the new coaches for the Amrit Bharat train and other projects at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Vaishnaw shared details of the ambitious venture. “This outstanding project is a testament to engineering excellence, overcoming substantial hurdles posed by the region’s terrain and weather conditions,” the minister said.
The new railway line, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) project, spans 111 kilometers, with 97 kilometers consisting of tunnels and six kilometers of bridges. Vaishnaw emphasized the complexity of the project and confirmed that all necessary work had been completed, with the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection successfully conducted on January 8 and 9.
The dream of connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country has now been fulfilled, Vaishnaw stated. We are waiting for the CRS report, and once it’s received, we will start the train services, he added.
In line with the region’s challenging climatic conditions, the newly designed Vande Bharat train will be specifically adapted for this route. The train has been engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, with temperatures in the region potentially dipping as low as minus 10 to minus 20 degrees. Electrical systems, electronics, and wheel connections are all affected by such cold. Keeping this in mind, the new Vande Bharat has been designed to function seamlessly in these conditions, the minister explained.
The Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL project is particularly significant, linking the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley. The section boasts engineering marvels, including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, along with several advanced tunnels and cutting-edge safety features.
Once operational, this train service will provide seamless connectivity for travelers in the region, easing transportation and boosting economic activities. The completion of this project marks a milestone in India’s railway infrastructure, highlighting the country’s commitment to enhancing connectivity even in the most challenging terrains.