CHENAB (JAMMU & KASHMIR), Dec 18: The famous proverb “India extends from Kashmir to Kanyakumari” is set to become a reality with seamless rail connectivity, as Indian Railways achieves the monumental feat of linking Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This accomplishment showcases India’s engineering prowess and dedication, culminating in the creation of iconic railway projects.
As part of its efforts to connect Kashmir with mainland India and provide uninterrupted connectivity, the Indian Railways undertook the challenging task of constructing railway tracks through the hilly mountains, deep gorges, and dense forests of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Shillong Times visited this historic project to provide an update on the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which is set to display India’s engineering dominance.
Initiated in 1999, the USBRL project was declared a national project in 2002. This engineering marvel traverses the rugged Himalayan terrain and aims to transform the region’s transport, trade, and tourism landscape.
According to railway officials, the USBRL project has been the most challenging undertaking since India’s independence. Its alignment required constructing 38 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 931 bridges (totaling 13 km) in some of the world’s most complex geological conditions.
Two standout tunnels are the under-construction Sumber-Arpinchala Tunnel (T-49) at 12.75 km, poised to become India’s longest transportation tunnel, and the Pir Panjal Tunnel (T-80), which stretches 11.2 km.
Key sections, challenges
The Katra-Banihal section (111 km) is the most demanding part of the project, involving 27 main tunnels, 8 escape tunnels (a total of 164 km of tunneling), and 37 bridges. Notable among these are Chenab Bridge — the highest railway bridge in the world, standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, spanning 1,315 meters, and constructed at a cost of Rs 1,485 crores; and Anji Bridge which is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Despite the challenging terrain and logistical hurdles, 205 km of approach roads were built to access the construction sites. The project also provided connectivity to 73 remote villages, benefiting approximately 1.5 lakh residents.
The Katra-Banihal section features seven stations, four in Reasi district (Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkote) and three in Ramban district (Sangaldan, Sumber, Khari). Many of these stations are partly situated in tunnels or on bridges.
The Banihal-Baramulla section (136 km) is already operational and fully electrified, enabling trains to run on eco-friendly electric power. This move reduces the carbon footprint, operating costs, and dependence on fossil fuels in the environmentally sensitive Himalayan region.
Economic, social impact
The USBRL project has significantly benefited local communities, generating over 500 lakh man-days of employment in the Katra-Banihal section alone.
Approximately 65% of these jobs were given to locals, and 799 eligible land donors received permanent railway jobs.
The construction of approach roads has opened up isolated regions, improving access and mobility for villagers. Additionally, the project has catalyzed development in the region, promising a brighter future for Jammu & Kashmir.
The iconic Chenab Bridge
The Chenab Bridge is the project’s crowning achievement. Built using 30,000 metric tons of steel, it stands as a symbol of India’s engineering excellence. Construction, which began in 2004, gained momentum in 2013. Senior Divisional Manager of the Chenab project, S Reddy, stated that connecting these remote areas was a monumental task. Before the bridge, residents had to trek through mountains to reach Reasi. Now, the region enjoys both road and rail connectivity.
While the majority of the project is complete, work on a small section between Reasi and Katra is still ongoing and expected to finish soon. Officials indicated that the final decision to commence train operations on this route rests with the central government.
Once operational, the USBRL project will not only enhance connectivity but also boost tourism and trade, cementing its place as a transformative initiative for the region and the nation.
