USBRL project: Trial run conducted through T1, Anji Khad Cable Bridge

Srinagar, Dec 28: Northern Railways has achieved a significant milestone by conducting a successful trial run through Tunnel No. 1 of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and the iconic Anji Khad Cable Bridge.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said that the first loaded train trial ran through USBRL tunnel no. 1 and Anji Khad cable bridge.
Northern Railways Spokesman told Rising Kashmir that a trial run of the loaded train was conducted through USBRL Tunnel No. 1 and Anji Khad Cable Bridge.
“The trial run marks a major step in the completion of the USBRL project, which is set to transform rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The spokesman said that the USBRL project, when completed, is expected to boost economic activity and connectivity in the region, ensuring smoother and more efficient transportation for passengers and freight alike.
“Tunnel No. 1 and the Anji Khad Cable Bridge are engineering marvels, with the latter being India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. The successful trial demonstrates the readiness of these crucial components for operational use,” he added.
On December 25, Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run of an electric engine on the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, in Reasi district.
The trial included a train with 32 coaches that traversed the track between Katra Railway Station and Reasi. The Anji Khad Bridge is an engineering marvel designed to withstand the region’s challenging terrain and seismic conditions.
Meanwhile on Jan 05 next year, CRS inspection will involve a detailed review of safety measures, track alignment, and operational protocols.
As per the communiqué issued by Northern Railways reads that the movement of Inspection Carriage RA-001181, nominated for the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northern Circle, New Delhi.
It reads that from January 5 to January 6, 2025, statutory inspections will be conducted for the opening of the Katra-Reasi (16.501 Km) section.
This section is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla New Broad Gauge (B.G.) Rail Link Project. The inspection will start at 20:50 hrs on January 5 and conclude at 07:55 hrs on January 6, it said.
During the inspection, the following officials will accompany the Commissioner: CAO/USBRL, CBE, CSE, COM-G, CEGE from Headquarters, DRM/FZR, and BOs.
On December 13, the USBRL project achieved a historic milestone with the completion of ballastless track work on Tunnel T-33, the final tunnel connecting Katra to Reasi.
The Reasi-Katra rail link is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2025. The inaugural event will also mark the launch of a new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Delhi and Srinagar.
This direct train service will significantly reduce the travel time for the 800-kilometer journey to under 13 hours.