India’s ambitious Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) is inching closer to completion. Recently, the Minister of Railways, AshwiniVaishnaw, conducted the first trial run of a track-mounted vehicle on the world’s highest railway bridge over the river Chenab at Bakkal-Kauri in Reasi district. During the trial, the Minister announced that a Vande Bharat Metro Train would be operated between Jammu and Srinagar once the USBRL becomes fully operational, which is expected to happen by December 2023 or January 2024. This is a significant milestone in the completion of the Udhampur-Katra-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which will connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country by train for the first time in history.
Importance of the USBRL Project
The Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) is a crucial project for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister NarendraModi has enhanced the allocation for the completion of the work multiple times, from once Rs 700-800 crores to Rs 6000 crores at present. The project has been given top priority by the Government and is expected to be completed by December 2023 or January 2024, with finishing work on Chenab bridge, Anji Bridge, tunnels, and meeting other engineering challenges on the line.
Vande Bharat Metro Train
Once the USBRL becomes fully operational, a Vande Bharat Metro Train will be operated between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat Express is a flagship train of the Indian Railways that was launched in 2019. It is a high-speed train that is fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern facilities such as onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and automatic sliding doors. The Vande Bharat Metro Train will provide a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chenab Bridge
The Chenab Bridge is a crucial part of the USBRL Project. It is the world’s highest railway bridge, with a deck height of 359 meters and a length of 1,315 meters. The arch bridge has 17 spans, and the linear length of the main arch span is 460 meters. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore and required more than 28,000 metric tonnes of steel. The codal life of the bridge is 120 years, and it can withstand wind speeds of up to 266 kmph. The completion of the Chenab Bridge is a significant engineering feat and a matter of pride for India.
Importance of Connecting Kashmir with the Rest of the Country
Connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country through train is a strategic development that will have far-reaching benefits. It will provide an alternative mode of transportation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will boost tourism in the region. It will also improve the overall economic development of the region and will create job opportunities for the local people. The completion of the USBRL Project will mark the end of an era of isolation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
