Amongst one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects is Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link that seeks to connect the region of Kashmir to the rest of the country through a broad-gauge railway line. The final straight will be crossed by the majestic Himalayas of the rail link that would bring change to the transportation mode in the region. This is significant because, with the final track work finished, a project nearing the most finalistic end in terms of its much-heralded inaugural rites has reached completion.
A Glimpse of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project
The 272-kilometre long USBRL project runs from Udhampur to Baramulla in Kashmir. Indian Railways has taken up this historic task connecting the otherwise inaccessible Kashmir valley with the rest of the Indian rail network. All-weather, broad gauge rail line will provide an extremely efficient and cost-effective mass transport solution, reducing the travel time and enhancing connectivity in the region.
The rail line, when completed, shall connect the Kashmir Valley properly with the Indian mainland. Completion of this project will enhance transportation and also contribute to socio-economic development in the region.
Completion of the Final Track Work
Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw updated that the last track work of the USBRL project has been declared. It is a historical moment for Indian Railways. The ballast-less track work of Tunnel T-33 was completed at 2:00 AM near the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. It is the 3.2-kilometer-long tunnel connecting Katra to Reasi, and it was the most challenging part of the project because of Himalayan terrain.
Minister Vaishnaw posted the update on X and called it a “historic milestone” in the country’s development of infrastructure. This completed tunnel and track work would open the way to the final stretch of the rail link that is set to transform travel and trade in the region.
Impact of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link
The Kashmir region needs this much to be achieved in transportation, which is that the USBRL rail link, and now with this very link, a journey which takes around many hours, will become less long in January, when the very first train will run direct from Kashmir to Delhi, which would be covered with 800 kilometers in 13 hours only.
It shall open up new opportunities in terms of economic development within the region of Kashmir, due to transportation of goods and people through the link. It would provide an important transportation corridor and shall be a catalyst for regional growth in tourism, agriculture, and commerce.
Key Sections of the USBRL Project Near Completion
The 272 km long USBRL project has had tremendous development work. Especially the stretch of 62 km from Katra to Sangaldan is important. At present, 45 km of this stretch has been completed and the trial runs have already been conducted between Sangaldan and Reasi. This stretch also features the world’s highest bridge over the Chenab River, which is an engineering marvel.
According to sources, the remaining 17 kilometers of the track, especially the T33 tunnel section, are almost ready. This stretch, carrying four stations between Reasi and Katra, is likely to be ready for trial runs by December 20, which will expedite the completion of the project.
The Significance of the USBRL for Kashmir’s Future
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is much more than a simple transport undertaking; it is an icon of change and progress for the Kashmir Valley itself, to be connected through it with the rest of India, thus boosting tourism while promoting greater access to medical care and education and supporting other industries in the region.
The all-weather rail network will ensure that connectivity is maintained throughout the bitter winter months when roads and tracks are blocked by fresh snow. This is surely a much better future than what exists today, filled with problems due to adverse topography and weather conditions prevailing in the region.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kashmir’s Connectivity
The next one that will bring in a total transformation in the transport scenario of Jammu and Kashmir will be the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link – offering travel faster, safer, and convenient. The final touch, of course, when all track works are over and trial runs begin, it will be on schedule to promise better connectivity of Kashmir with the rest of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the last leg of the railway link. This will open up yet another new chapter for the region’s infrastructure development, and pave the way towards a brighter future.
Refer :
Financial Express, Link to article
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