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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Jammu: In a significant milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project, the Railways successfully conducted a trial run on the entire Katra-Banihal section. The trial marks a crucial step towards establishing full rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Chief Administrative Officer of the USBRL Project, Sandeep Gupta, accompanied by officials from Northern Railway and construction partners, was on board during the historic trial. “Today’s run was successful under safety protocols. It prepares us for the final inspections scheduled for January 7 and 8 by the Commissioner of Railway Safety,” Gupta shared.
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The railway has conducted six trial runs in the past month, covering iconic engineering feats like the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab at Kauri and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge. These marvels represent milestones in modern infrastructure.
The Chenab bridge, towering 359 meters above the riverbed, surpasses the Eiffel Tower in height, while the Anji Khad bridge, with its 331-meter-high pylon and 48 tension cables, stands as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. Both structures blend cutting-edge engineering with breathtaking vistas.
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During the trial, the train traveled through snow-laden mountains, delighting passengers onboard. It reached Banihal station at 1:30 pm and returned to Katra at a speed of 75 kmph. Final trials will reach 110 kmph to ensure readiness for operational service.
With final approvals expected soon, the long-awaited rail services connecting Kashmir to the rest of India are poised to begin. The USBRL project is set to include the Vande Bharat Express, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate the service this month.
