Trains to run between Udhampur and Katra by 2007

Srinagar, June 23 (UNI) The work on the prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar- Baramulla rail project, costing Rs 11,000 crore, is progressing at a fast pace and ten pairs of trains would start running between Udhampur and Katra by February next year.

Addressing Editors Conference on Social Infrastructure, Railway Board Chairman J P Batra said the national railway project would connect major cities of Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country.

Though the entire project could only be completed in 2008-09, the Udhampur-Katra section and Quazigund-Baramullah section will be completed by next year, he said. Ten pairs of train linking cities like Delhi, Mumbai and other prominent cities will now come directly to Katra from 2007.

The delays due to militancy and harsh weather conditions have increased the cost of the national project, being supported by outside budgetary allocation by finance ministry, from Rs 3,600 crore to Rs 11,000 crore, he said.

The project is a major architectural challenge as it would have the tallest and longest arch bridge in the world over Chenab river, Mr Batra said. The height of the bridge was 383 meters, higher than the Empire Estate building, and it would be completed at a cost of Rs 523 crore by November 2008, he added.

A large numbers of tunnels, including a 429-km long tunnel at Pir Panjal, are also being constructed in the project, he informed.

Along with the railway line, the Indian Railways is also constructing 250-km long roads to carry the material and supply which would be later handed over for citizens use. More over, 600 people, whose land has been acquired for project construction, are being provided employment by the railways, he informed.

Admitting that security of the project is a major concern, Mr Batra said two battalions of Railway Protection Force have been deployed and even support from state police would be sought. He said if required, more security provisions will be undertaken.

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