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India’s ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link to likely open on Feb 20
The Indian Railways is all set to commence train services on the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, a crucial 48.1 km stretch of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, on February 20. It will mark a significant step toward realising the dream of connecting Srinagar with Kanyakumari.The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project stands out as one of the most ambitious Himalayan railway initiatives post-Independence. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually inaugurate the section by flagging off a train from Sangaldan, although official confirmation is pending.
Describing the project, a senior railways official in the know-how stressed that its goal is to establish an all-weather, comfortable, and economically feasible transportation network through the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal ranges. The USBRL aims to connect remote Himalayan areas with the rest of the country, integrating the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region and the national rail network, covering a total length of 272 km, with 161 km already commissioned.
If reports are to go by, the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, constructed at a cost of INR 15,863 crore, is now ready for operation. The existing train services from Baramulla to Banihal will be extended up to Sangaldan, near the district headquarters of Ramban. The section features 16 bridges, 11 major and four minor ones, and one road over bridge. Over 90% of this section consists of tunnels, including the country's longest transportation tunnel, T-50, stretching 12.77 km in the Khari-Sumber section.
For safety and rescue purposes, three escape tunnels with a combined length of 30.1 km have been incorporated. The section also includes 30 curves spanning 23.72 km. Advanced features such as ballast less tracks and canted turnouts, a first for Indian Railways, contribute to passenger safety and comfort.
For safety and rescue purposes, three escape tunnels with a combined length of 30.1 km have been incorporated. The section also includes 30 curves spanning 23.72 km. Advanced features such as ballast less tracks and canted turnouts, a first for Indian Railways, contribute to passenger safety and comfort.
Safety measures extend to CCTV monitoring, state-of-the-art tunnel-safety technology, firefighting systems, and ventilation systems. The electrification aspect of the Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section of the USBRL project is complete, covering 185.66 route km and serving 19 railway stations.
Constructed at INR 470.23 crore, this electrification enables the operation of state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains in the section. Noteworthy features include 25-KV OHE inside the longest operational tunnel (tunnel T-80 in the Banihal-Quazigund section), specialised equipment for high-altitude operations, and 132/33-KV traction substations at altitudes exceeding 1,600 m above sea level.
Source: Times Of India
