Srinagar, Nov 19 (NVI): Kashmir is all set to be connected to Kanyakumari via train by January next year, marking a major milestone in improving regional connectivity, officials confirmed. The major project which is like a ‘dream come true’ will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26, Union MoS Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said today.
Sources told NVI that majority of the work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been finished, with all remaining tasks expected to be completed by December. “The track between Sangaldan and Reasi is now ready, having already been inspected by the Director of Safety, Railways. Construction on the section from Reasi to Katra is also advancing,” they added.
The officials mentioned that plans to operate a train between Sangaldan and Reasi had been updated, and trains are now expected to run concurrently on the 63-km stretch from Sangaldan to Katra. “Work on Tunnel T-33 is ongoing and will be finalized by December. The construction of four stations along the 17-km stretch from Reasi to Katra will also wrap up by year-end,” they said.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the New Delhi-Baramulla railway line on January 26, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu said.
Bittu recently visited the USBRL project, stated that the testing on the Katra-Kashmir track should conclude by December, ensuring Kashmir’s integration with the railway network by January. “When we have efficient highways and railways, we are better positioned on the global stage. I am confident this project will be completed by January, and the PM will officially inaugurate it,” he said.
He also pointed out that the project will give a significant economic boost to the region. “This will be a game-changer on the global map. Safety remains our top concern, and we are thoroughly checking every detail to guarantee the project’s completion by December.”
The USBRL project is notable for its engineering feats, including 38 tunnels spanning 119 km, with the country’s longest transportation tunnel, Tunnel T-49, stretching 12.75 km. Additionally, it features 927 bridges that cover a total length of 13 km, including the iconic Chenab Bridge—standing 359 meters above the riverbed, which is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. This bridge is recognized as the world’s highest arch railway bridge. Made of steel and concrete, it is built to endure wind speeds up to 260 km/h and withstand the most powerful earthquakes.
Pertinently, the major achievements in the Kashmir Rail Project include the completion of the Baramulla-Qazigund section in 2009, Qazigund-Banihal in 2013, Udhampur-Katra in 2014, and the Banihal-Sangaldan section, which PM Modi inaugurated in February 2024.(NVI)
