Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 20: The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a crucial project aimed at connecting Kashmir with the rest of India through an all-weather transport link, is set to receive enhanced safety measures with the implementation of a Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan.
Recognizing the critical nature of the railway line and the vulnerability of the terrain to various natural calamities, Northern Railways and its implementing agency, Konkan Rail Corporation Limited, have enlisted the expertise of STS Global, a specialized agency in disaster management planning, to develop a robust strategy.
As per the details shared by the STS Global, development of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan involved a meticulous study, incorporating key components such as risk assessment and stakeholder consultation.
The risk assessment phase entailed detailed mapping of potential hazards along the corridor, assessing the associated risks to all assets involved, the company said.
Moreover, it said, stakeholder consultation has played a crucial role in gathering inputs from various departments and agencies responsible for passenger safety and railway infrastructure protection.
Details further state that the resultant plan comprises a preparedness strategy along with standardized protocols to be followed by railway personnel and relevant agencies in the event of any disaster affecting the operations of the rail link.
Notably, the plan includes a Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment (MHVRA) conducted at a granular level, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every section of the rail line.
To further validate the efficacy of the plan, the National Institute of Disaster Management conducted a consultative review, incorporating insights from the National Disaster Management Authority and other pertinent agencies.
It is to be noted here that the USBRL project, spanning 272 kilometers and featuring India’s longest railway tunnel and the world’s highest railway river bridge, has been a long-awaited endeavor for the region, aiming to mitigate the frequent disruptions experienced by the existing road link, particularly during the harsh winter months.
The implementation of the disaster management plan marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term safety and resilience of Indian Railways, especially in light of several upcoming infrastructure projects in mountainous regions across the country.
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