The completion of the final track work for Tunnel T-33, connecting Katra to Reasi, marks a historic milestone for the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project. As one of India’s most challenging and significant infrastructure undertakings, the USBRL aims to integrate Jammu and Kashmir seamlessly with the rest of the country, fostering connectivity, development, and inclusivity in the region. The achievement symbolises the culmination of years of meticulous planning, engineering expertise, and determination. Tunnel T-33, a 3.2-km-long passage through the foothills of Trikuta, near the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, overcame formidable challenges during its construction. Engineers contended with a shear zone and high water ingress, factors that had posed significant delays. Its completion reaffirms the Government’s commitment to delivering on transformative national projects. The USBRL’s significance transcends mere transportation. This 272-km rail link, traversing the Himalayas, serves as a testament to the Government’s resolve to bridge geographical barriers and connect its farthest corners.
Upon full commissioning, this project will drastically reduce travel time between Jammu and Kashmir and the national capital. The anticipated direct train between Kashmir and Delhi, expected to cover the 800-km journey in less than 13 hours, will be a boon for passengers and businesses alike. Improved connectivity will pave the way for enhanced tourism, trade, and economic opportunities, transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region. The USBRL’s engineering marvels deserve special mention. With 38 tunnels and 927 bridges, including the iconic Chenab Bridge-the world’s highest arch railway bridge-this project showcases unparalleled technical ingenuity. The Chenab Bridge, towering 359 meters above the riverbed and surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height, stands as a symbol of human determination and capability. As the USBRL nears completion, the focus now shifts to inspection, trial runs, and final certification. The Commissioner of Railway Safety’s upcoming visit, along with the subsequent electrification and signalling works, will ensure that this feat of engineering meets the highest safety and operational standards. With all major hurdles behind, the first month of the new year promises a new chapter for Kashmir’s connectivity.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
