Why train trial via the world’s highest railway bridge in J&K matters (2024)

Advertisem*nt

Indian Railways has conducted the first trial train run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including on the world’s highest rail bridge built on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X on Sunday (16 June) to make the announcement.

“First trial train has successfully run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including crossing the Chenab Bridge,” he wrote. “All construction works for the USBRL are nearly finished, with tunnel No.1 remaining partially incomplete.”

1st trial train between Sangaldan to Reasi. pic.twitter.com/nPozXzz8HM

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 16, 2024

The Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which costs Rs 35,000 crore, aims to strengthen connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Let’s take a closer look.

Chenab rail bridge

Touted as the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab bridge was constructed 359 metres (around 109 feet) above the Chenab river.

It is 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The construction of this bridge was not an easy feat with harsh terrain and weather conditions in J&K posing a major challenge.

This architectural marvel has been built across a gorge of Chenab Bridge in the Reasi district of J&K.

Also known as theChenab Arch Bridge, it has an arch span of 467 metres.

The bridge costs around Rs 14,000 crore and has a lifespan of 120 years. It can resist high-velocity winds with speeds up to 260 kmph, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, and hydrological impacts if water levels rise.

Chenab Bridge: An engineering marvel garnering praise internationally pic.twitter.com/a7z6iNpDCa

— Western Railway (@WesternRly) January 16, 2024

Why the trial run matters

The tests were carried out to check the stability and safety of the world’s highest bridge. As the commissioning of the Sangaldan-Reasi section is completed, the work is now pending on a 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra.

The Commissioner of Railways Safety (CRS) is slated to carry out an inspection on the Sangaldan-Reasi section later this month, as per a Times of India (TOI) report.

Train services will start operating from Ramban to Reasi through the Chenab bridge soon.

Reasi deputy commissioner Vishesh Mahajan told ANI, “This is an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district. It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. It is the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon.”

Significance of the USBRL project

The USBRL project, which was okayed in March 1995, gained momentum in 2002 when it was declared a national project by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for being one of the most challenging works taken by the Indian Railways after Independence, noted Indian Express.

The project is expected to be finally completed by the end of the year. Once finished, it will connect the Anantnag, Pulwama, Sopian, Badgam, Srinagar and Baramulla districts of J&K to the Indian Railways network.

In February, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section of the railway line that links Baramulla in North Kashmir to Udhampur in Jammu.

The project will establish all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, which will help boost the region’s industrial and agricultural sectors, as per TOI.

Currently, Kashmir is connected to the rest of India via air or the land route – a 300-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu national highway. However, it has to be shut down often in winter when roads are blocked due to snowfall. Landslides also make the Jammu-Srinagar national highway inaccessible.

This rail link will eliminate these obstructions and offer cost-effective all-weather connectivity to Kashmir. The train will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Jammu to between three and three-and-a-half hours from the five to six hours experienced during road travel.

The Chenab rail bridge, built as part of this project, will provide a safe and reliable way of crossing the Chenab River, which is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.

As per Indian Express, the project will also help in facilitating trade for Kashmiris, with trains offering a hassle-free transport of goods such as apples, dry fruits, handicrafts, etc. to people in other parts of India. The cost of transporting items to the Kashmir Valley from other parts of India could also significantly fall.

With inputs from agencies

Top Shows

Related Stories