CRS Authorises Opening of Newly Constructed Broad Gauge Line Connecting Kashmir to India

The Commissioner of Railway Safety Northern Circle, Dinesh Chand Deshwal, has approved the opening of a new Broad Gauge line connecting Kashmir to the rest of India. This decision follows a thorough two-day inspection of the Katra-Reasi section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway link. The authorisation marks a significant milestone in this long-awaited project.

Deshwal's authorisation was communicated through a seven-page letter to the relevant ministry and railway authorities, including the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety. The letter detailed his inspection conducted on January 7 and 8. This approval signifies the completion of a project that began in 1997 but faced numerous delays due to challenging geological and meteorological conditions.

Project Milestones and Challenges

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway link (USBRL) spans 272 km, with 209 km already operational in phases. The first phase, covering 118 km from Qazigund to Baramulla, was completed in October 2009. Subsequent sections included Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) in June 2013, Udhampur-Katra (25 km) in July 2014, and Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km) in February last year.

Last June, the Sangaldan-Reasi section (46 km) was finished, leaving only a 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra. This final section was completed in December 2024. The CRS's letter highlighted his inspection of the newly constructed BG line between Katra and Reasi by motor trolley and on foot, followed by a speed trial from Katra to Banihal.

Speed Trials and Authorisation Conditions

The section is now authorised for public carriage of passengers and freight at speeds up to 85 kmph on the main line and 15 kmph on turnouts. However, this authorisation is contingent upon meeting various conditions and guidelines. Deshwal emphasised these stipulations during his announcement.

Speaking to reporters after a successful high-speed trial run from Katra railway station to Banihal, Deshwal remarked, "The trial run at 110 kmph on the 180-degree rising grade in such a challenging geography from Katra to Banihal has written a new chapter in the history of railways." This trial demonstrated the line's capability to handle high-speed operations despite its challenging terrain.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced the completion of the Reasi-Katra section, marking an important step towards connecting Kashmir with the rest of India. On January 4, an electric train successfully completed a trial run on the Katra-Banihal section. Over the past month, six trials have been conducted on various segments of the track, including significant milestones like the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.

The completion of this railway link is expected to enhance connectivity for Kashmir, facilitating both passenger travel and freight movement. As this project reaches its final stages, it promises to bring economic benefits and improved accessibility to the region.