Historic Milestone Achieved in Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project
The ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project marked a historic milestone today with the completion of the final track work for Tunnel T-33, connecting Katra to Reasi.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the news via social media, stating, “The ballast-less track work for the 3.2-km-long Tunnel T-33, located at the foothills of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and connecting Katra to Reasi, was successfully completed today at 02:00 hrs.”
Project Nears Completion
Official sources confirmed that with the completion of this track work, the USBRL project is expected to be fully operational by the end of this month. The Commissioner of Railway Safety is scheduled to inspect the site on December 16-17. Following six to 12 trial runs of the train along the 17-km stretch between Reasi and Katra Stations, the certification process is anticipated to conclude before year-end.
Excavation for Tunnel T-33, spanning 3,209 meters, was completed last December. Despite challenges such as a shear zone and high water ingress, progress has surged ahead, culminating in this remarkable achievement.
Prime Minister to Inaugurate Final Phase
Spanning a total of 272 km, the USBRL project is a national endeavor to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through a broad-gauge railway line. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 17-km stretch between Katra and Reasi in January. The inaugural train is poised to bridge Kashmir and Delhi, covering an 800-km journey in under 13 hours.
Journey of the USBRL Project
The USBRL project has seen a phased development:
- Phase I: Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) inaugurated in October 2009.
- Phase II: Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) inaugurated in June 2013.
- Phase III: Udhampur-Katra (25 km) inaugurated in July 2014.
- February 2024: First electric train trial conducted on the Banihal-Katra section.
The project comprises 38 tunnels (total length 119 km) and 927 bridges (total length 13 km), including the iconic Chenab Bridge. This engineering marvel boasts an arch span of 467 meters and a height of 359 meters above the river bed, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower and the world’s highest railway bridge.
Future Prospects
Completion of the USBRL project not only strengthens India’s infrastructure but also enhances connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir, opening doors for tourism and economic development. The electrification and signaling processes are on track for completion, ensuring a smooth rollout of train operations in the new year.
