Linking Kashmir with rest of nation by train transforms rail infra in Valley

With the linking of rail in Kashmir with the rest of the country, upgrading of tracks and rakes have enabled transformation of the rail infrastructure in the region.

Earlier, periodic overhauling (POH) was being done by transporting bogies from Budgam to Lucknow on road trailers, which was sub-optimal. For the first time now, rakes from the valley have been brought to Lucknow through rail for overhauling.

Till the opening of Jammu-Srinagar rail link, there was no rail connectivity of Kashmir valley with the rest of the railway network. The Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) and Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) rakes in Kashmir valley could not be brought to the workshop for periodic maintenance and upgrade.

An official informed that the upgrading works of passenger coaches in the Kashmir valley would be completed by August 31. All rakes in service would be renovated and upgraded within this timeframe.

Upgrading of rakes include exterior painting with a new vibrant colour, fitting of bio tanks in toilets, fitting of new water-raising pumps for proper functioning of toilets, repairing of seats and replacement with polycarbonate seats, provision of new standing handles, renewal of PVC flooring, buffing of all stainless steel items, repairing of all windows and ensuring hopper-type windows, ensuring proper functioning of public address and passenger information system and overhauling of fans and lights among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link project with Chenab and Anji bridges on June 6.

Along with rake upgrading, a paradigm shift has happened in the maintenance of tracks in the Valley through modern machinery.

“Over and above the new train services, opening of this line has made a fundamental change in the ability to maintain rail tracks in Kashmir valley. The railway link has enabled movement of track maintenance machines to the Kashmir valley. Maintenance is now being done with modern machines, unlike manual maintenance earlier. This is leading to significant improvement in track quality,” an official informed.

A tamping machine has been deployed since early June that packs stone chips under the tracks to ensure proper alignment and stability of the tracks. It has so far tamped approximately 88 km of track in the valley. This has improved the ballast cushion and will make the ride smooth.

Two Ballast Cleaning Machines (BCMs) have also been deployed. Ballast is the stone chip collection on tracks. It provides support to railway tracks.