Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 21: The Northern Railway has constructed all tunnels which are required for the completion of Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
The information in this regard was provided that Northern Railway in a press handout issued here today.
As per the release issued, in a significant breakthrough for the Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the 3209 m long Tunnel T-1 between Katra and Reasi Stations was successfully completed on 20.12.2023. This accomplishment marks a monumental stride towards progress and enhanced connectivity.
Tunnel T-1 is located at the foothills of Trikuta Hills near Katra in Reasi District being constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., for Northern Railway under the National Projects.
Tunnel T-1, formerly recognized as the most challenging tunnel due to its passage through the Himalayan Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), presented formidable geological challenges, including rugged terrain and substantial water inflow from within the tunnel.
The Tunnel alignment cuts across the lesser Himalayas and is characterized by highly jointed and fractured dolomite. Also, a portion of about 300-350m length cuts across a major Shear Zone known as the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT).
In the beginning, the tunnelling was done adopting conventional NATM Tunnelling philosophy. However, in order to tackle the visco-elastic plastic media of Main Boundary Thrust, the tunnel excavation methodology was switched over from NATM to I – System of Tunnelling by providing deep drainage pipes, Umbrella pipe roofing, chemical grouting, face bolting, sequential excavation with multiple drift, rigid support & shotcreting etc.
By adopting the I – System of Tunnelling, the excavation of Tunnel T1 through MBT (in Heading) has been successfully completed, thus clearing a major impediment in commissioning of the new Railway Line from Katra to Banihal.
The breakthrough of this tunnel is seen as one of the biggest achievements of this National Project in making the dream of connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of India a reality.
The works are in progress round the clock at full swing to complete the balance works. Indian Railway is edging closer to connecting Kashmir Valley to the rest of the Railway network.
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