Shri Anil Kumar Khandelwal, Member Infrastructure of the Railway Board, recently conducted a thorough inspection of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project in Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on the critical sections of the route.
More Details:
Shri Anil Kumar Khandelwal Member Infrastructure, Railway Board conducted an intensive and detailed inspection of the Srinagar-Sangaldan-Katra section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link National Project on 05th May, 2024. Senior officers of North Railway and Konkan Rail Corporation were also present with them on the occasion.
During Inspection:
- He started his inspection from Srinagar end by train/inspection Car up to Sangaldan.
- Thereafter he conducted Motor Trolley inspection from Sangaldan onwards up to Katra.
- On the way he critically inspected the ongoing balance critical works in Sawalkote yard and tunnel number T-33 near Katra which is critical for commissioning of the entire project.
- He expressed satisfaction at the pace of progress and instructed the project authorities to closely monitor the work of Tunnel T-33.
About USBRL:
- Udhampur to Baramulla joining the Kashmir valley with the Indian Railways network under Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link Project (USBRL). This project has been the most challenging work undertaken post-independence by Indian Railways.
- The alignment of USBRL involves construction of a large number of Tunnels and Bridges in highly rugged and mountainous terrain with most difficult and complex Himalayan geology.
- This Project involves 38 Tunnels (combined length of 119 Km), the longest Tunnel (T-49) having a length of 12.75 Km and is the country’s longest transportation tunnel.
- There are 927 nos. of Bridges (combined length of 13 Km). These bridges include the iconic Chenab Bridge (Overall length 1315 m, Arch span of 467 m and height of 359 m above river bed) which will be the highest railway bridge in the world. Indian railway’s first cable-stayed bridge is also being constructed on Anji Khad.
Challenges:
Recognized as one of the most challenging railway construction projects due to its location in the geologically complex and rugged terrain of the young Himalayas, the USBRL project symbolises a significant engineering feat. With each day, Indian Railways is making strides toward bridging the distance between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India’s rail network, marking a historic step in the nation’s infrastructure development.
Source: Northern Railway | Images Credit: Northern Railway
