Srinagar, Nov 27: In a major update on the progress of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Link (USBRL) project, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Surender Mahi announced on Monday that 90% of the track work on the 111-km-long Katra-Banihal rail line has been successfully executed.
Speaking to reporters at Sumber Railway Station, Mahi revealed that only approximately 10-12 kilometers of track work remain pending completion.
Mahi highlighted that track laying has been accomplished up to Sumbar, with pending work in the areas of telecommunications, Environment and Housekeeping Management Department (EnHM), while signalling work has already been completed.
Addressing challenges in the T1 tunnel, he acknowledged geological issues and emphasised cautious mining to prevent loose falls. Mahi assured that all necessary precautions are being taken, expressing optimism about the timely completion of the tunnel.
Providing insights into the developments at Anji Bridge, the CAO USBRL stated that ongoing concrete work on the deck is in progress, with track laying in that section to follow.
He mentioned, “Out of the total 120.6 kilometers, approximately 90 kilometers have been completed.” Although the finalization of the remaining stretch will take some time, Mahi assured that soon Kashmir will be seamlessly connected with Katra.
It is worth mentioning that the completion of the initial 161 km stretch was achieved in three distinct phases. Last month, the Indian Railways successfully conducted a trolley run on the critical Banihal-Khari railway stretch of the USBRL project.
Preparations for the operationalisation of Khari, Sumbar, and Sangaldan Railway Stations are well underway, with buildings and other infrastructure nearing completion.
In March this year, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced the upcoming operation of the country’s first indigenous semi-high-speed train on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail route, anticipated to begin by the end of this year.
He also mentioned that the Udhampur-Banihal track, connecting Jammu with Srinagar, would be completed by December this year or early next year.
