Srinagar, Feb 20: In a landmark event on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the longest transportation tunnel of the country on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on Tuesday as he flagged off the first electrified trains of the Kashmir valley.
“Prime Minister Modi was present in Jammu and he virtually flagged off two electrified trains simultaneously — one from Srinagar to Sangaldan in the down direction and the other from Sangaldan to Srinagar in the up direction,” a railway official said.
The inauguration ceremony, held via video conferencing from Jammu, also saw the dedication of the new rail line spanning Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan, covering a distance of 48 km at a cost of Rs 15,863 crore.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed optimism about a future where individuals could traverse the country by train, starting from Kashmir. He highlighted the increased connectivity efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, including the expansion work at Jammu Airport and plans to connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail. Additionally, he flagged off trains running from Srinagar to Sangaldan and Sangaldan to Baramulla.
Speaking about the ongoing electrification campaign of railways across the nation, PM Modi extended congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the introduction of the region’s first electric train. He also noted the deployment of modern trains like Vande Bharat, with Jammu Kashmir being among the initial routes selected for these trains.
Present at the occasion were Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jugal Kishore, MP (Lok Sabha), Gulam Ali Khatana, MP (Rajya Sabha), and other local representatives.
The newly inaugurated rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT), ensuring a smoother riding experience for passengers. Additionally, the section boasts India’s longest transportation tunnel T-50, spanning 12.77 km between Khari and Sumber. These projects aim to bolster connectivity, ensure environmental sustainability, and stimulate economic development in the region.
The commissioning of the Banihal-Sangaldan section, part of the larger USBRL Project, is a significant step toward establishing an all-weather transportation network through the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal Ranges. Out of the total 272-km USBRL Project, 161 km has already been commissioned, with the latest addition of 48 km between Banihal and Sangaldan.
He also mentioned the increased connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir and the expansion work of Jammu Airport, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail, and the flagging off of trains running from Srinagar to Sangaldan and Sangaldan to Baramulla.
Speaking about the huge campaign of electrification of railways underway in the country, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on getting the first electric train on Tuesday.
Referring to modern trains like Vande Bharat the Prime Minister said Jammu Kashmir was selected among the initial routes of the trains. He said two Vande Bharat trains are running in Jammu and Kashmir and access to Mata Vaishno Devi has improved.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State for Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh. Shri Jugal Kishore, MP (Lok Sabha) and Gulam Ali Khatana, MP (Rajya Sabha) and other local representatives were present on the occasion.
The Northern Railways Spokesman said that in a significant step towards upgrading and strengthening the civic and urban infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, PM dedicated to the nation the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan (48 km worth Rs 15,863 Cr.) and the newly electrified Baramulla-Sringar-Banihal-Sangaldan section (185.66 km worth Rs 470.23 Cr.)
“The commissioning of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section is significant as it features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT) all along the route providing a better riding experience to the passengers,” he said.
The spokesman said India’s longest transportation tunnel T-50 (12.77 Km) lies in this portion between Khari-Sumber. The rail projects will improve connectivity, ensure environmental sustainability, and boost the overall economic development of the region,” he said.
USBRL Project, which spans through challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal Ranges and aims to establish an all-weather comfortable, and economically feasible transportation network with the rest of the country.
Of the total 272-km USBRL Project (with Rs 41,119 Cr Project Cost), 161 km has already been commissioned so far and 48km. between Banihal-Sangaldan has commissioned on Tuesday, the spokesman said.
“Currently, the diesel-run trains operate on the Baramulla-Banihal section (138 km), and with the new line becoming operational; commuters can now travel by train from Baramulla to Sangaldan. Railways will script a new history of trains running on clean fuel in the Valley which has 20 stations on this section,” he said.
The spokesman said that today’s initiatives will propel holistic development in Jammu and Kashmir. The rail projects will improve connectivity, ensure environmental sustainability, and boost the overall economic development of the region, he added.
It is pertinent to mention here that Kashmir railways had organized free trip for hundreds of school children to Sangaldan. They were seen singing songs and enjoying the beauty of the valley amid heavy snowfall scenes.
The electric train comprises eight coaches, each equipped with a wide range of amenities including automatic doors, providing seamless entry and exit for passengers. The inclusion of CCTV cameras enhances security measures within the train, ensuring the safety of travellers throughout their journey.
