In a historic milestone, a 22-bogie train successfully completed its first trial run between Katra and Srinagar railway stations on Sunday, marking a significant step in connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country via rail.
The train, consisting of 18 AC coaches, two luggage carriers, and two engines, departed from Katra railway station at 8 a.m. and reached its destination within four hours under the supervision of railway authorities. This trial run follows the approval granted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (Northern Circle), Dinesh Chand Deshwal, who authorized the line’s opening for passenger and freight traffic on January 7.
The newly completed section is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, an ambitious endeavor that began in 1997 but faced numerous delays due to the region’s challenging geological, topographical, and meteorological conditions. The total length of the USBRL project spans 272 kilometers, of which 209 kilometers have been completed and commissioned in phases.
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The project milestones include:
- 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section commissioned in October 2009
- 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013
- 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014
- 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February 2024
The Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted an exhaustive inspection of the new Katra-Srinagar section, traveling by motor trolley and on foot, before authorizing its opening. A speed trial was also conducted, leading to the section’s approval for a maximum permissible speed of 85 kmph on the main line and 15 kmph on turnout.
Railway officials hailed this achievement as a landmark development that will significantly enhance connectivity and bring economic and social benefits to the Kashmir region. Public services for passengers and freight on this line are expected to commence soon, fulfilling a long-cherished dream of linking Kashmir to the rest of India by rail.
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