Banihal-Sangaldan Rail Section Inspected for Safety Clearance

The Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted a two-day inspection of the Banihal-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, including a successful speed trial of an electric train.

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On Friday, Commissioner of Railways Safety D C Deshwal concluded his two-day inspection of the recently completed 48-km-long Banihal-Sangaldan section of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

Sangaldan Railway Station: A Crucial Link

Located in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, Sangaldan railway station lies between Banihal and Katra on the remaining 111-km stretch of the USBRL project. Once completed, this project will provide a direct train connection between Kashmir and the rest of the country in the coming months.

Thorough Inspection Conducted

During his two-day visit, Commissioner Deshwal, accompanied by his team, meticulously inspected the railway track, tunnels, and other systems between Khari-Sumbar and Sangaldan section.

Successful Speed Trial

As part of the inspection, a speed trial of the electric train was successfully conducted between Sangaldan and Khari railway stations.

Commissioner Returns to Srinagar

After completing the inspection, Deshwal returned to Srinagar in a rail car from Khari on Friday evening. He is scheduled to meet with Northern railway authorities before submitting a final report.

Project Overview and Challenges

The USBRL project spans a total length of 272 km, out of which 161 km have been commissioned in phases. The first phase, covering the 118-km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was completed in October 2009. This was followed by the 18-km Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25-km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.

Considered one of the most challenging railway infrastructure projects undertaken post-independence, the USBRL project was initiated in 1997. However, it has faced numerous delays and significant cost escalations.

The completion of the Banihal-Sangaldan section marks a significant milestone in the USBRL project, bringing Kashmir closer to being connected to the rest of the country by rail. The successful inspection conducted by Commissioner Deshwal ensures the safety and reliability of the railway infrastructure, paving the way for the commencement of train services in the near future.