Trial run conducted on Katra-Banihal rail section

In a significant development for the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the first successful trial run on the Katra-Banihal section of the railway was conducted on Saturday, bringing Kashmir closer to rail connectivity with the rest of the country. This crucial step is a part of the final preparations before the statutory safety inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), scheduled for next week.

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The trial, which passed through the picturesque Himalayan landscape, including snow-covered mountains and engineering marvels, is considered a major achievement for the Indian Railways. The train reached Banihal railway station around 1:30 PM. It was a significant occasion, as the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL is expected to play a pivotal role in improving connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.

Sandeep Gupta, Chief Administrative Officer of the USBRL, along with officials from Northern Railways and construction companies, was on-board during the trial run. Gupta confirmed that this trial was conducted as part of safety assessments and that it had been successful. “We were part of this run, and it was successful,” he told reporters. “We will return to Katra at a speed of 75 kmph. When the Commissioner of Railway Safety conducts trials, they will be at 110 kmph. This trial is in preparation for that.”

The successful trial marks a significant step toward completing the 272 km USBRL project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley to the broader Indian railway network. Over the past month, Indian Railways has conducted six trial runs on various sections of the track, including crucial milestones such as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab River at Kauri.

The Anji Khad Bridge, a critical part of the USBRL project, is an engineering achievement, featuring a single pylon rising 331 meters above the riverbed. The pylon, which took several years to complete, now rises 191 meters above its foundation level. The Anji Khad Bridge, with a total length of 473.25 meters, is one of the two highest railway bridges in the world, alongside the Chenab Bridge at Kauri, which holds the title of the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed, 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

According to Gupta, the successful trial run on Saturday was conducted in preparation for the upcoming safety inspections by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, who is scheduled to conduct further trials on January 7 and 8. “Everything has worked well so far. After the inspection, the Commissioner will submit a report, which will guide the further action on starting train services to Kashmir,” Gupta said.

The railways have been actively working to ensure that the Katra-Banihal section is ready for passenger services. While the Katra-Banihal stretch has undergone successful trials, officials have not yet finalised the schedule or timings for the train services. Once the Commissioner’s report is reviewed and the necessary clearances are obtained, train services will be launched in phases.

The USBRL project, which was sanctioned in 1994-95, has faced numerous challenges, including the region’s difficult terrain and weather conditions. However, with the completion of key sections, including the 255-kilometre stretch from Udhampur to Baramulla, the project is moving closer to its goal. The work on remaining 17-kilometre section between Katra and Reasi is ongoing and is expected to be completed by soon, marking the final step in the project. The total anticipated cost of the project is Rs 41,000 crore, of which Rs 38,931 crore had been spent as of March 2024.

As part of ongoing preparations, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have been conducting mock drills in various regions. Recently, the J&K Police and other agencies conducted mock drills at Qazigund railway station in Kulgam district of South Kashmir and Sopore in North Kashmir to ensure the safety and readiness of all stakeholders before the formal launch of train services. The successful trial run on the Katra-Banihal section, combined with the upcoming safety inspections, signals that rail connectivity in Kashmir is becoming a reality.