Indian Railways Forges Ahead: Train Services to Commence on Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan Section

The Indian Railways is poised to inaugurate train services on the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, a pivotal segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. This development marks a substantial stride in realizing the vision of connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari, bolstering transportation infrastructure in the region.

The Indian Railways is set to launch train services on the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, a crucial 48.1-km segment of the country's ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, on February 20. This significant milestone brings India closer to realizing the dream of connecting Srinagar with Kanyakumari, marking a major step forward in the nation's railway infrastructure.

A Challenging Endeavour

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project stands as one of the most ambitious Himalayan railway projects undertaken since India's independence. Spanning the formidable terrain of the Pir Panjal ranges, the USBRL aims to establish a reliable, comfortable, and economically viable transportation network, connecting remote Himalayan regions with the rest of the country. This project seeks to integrate the Kashmir valley with the Jammu region and the national rail network, covering a total length of 272 kilometers, of which 161 kilometers have already been commissioned.

Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan Section: An Engineering Marvel

The Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, constructed at a cost of Rs 15,863 crore, is now ready for operation. This section features 16 bridges, including 11 major bridges, four minor bridges, and one road overbridge. Remarkably, over 90% of this section consists of tunnels, with a total of 11 tunnels spanning 43.37 kilometers. Among these tunnels is the country's longest transportation tunnel, T-50, stretching an impressive 12.77 kilometers in the Khari-Sumber section.

To ensure passenger safety and facilitate rescue operations, three escape tunnels with a combined length of 30.1 kilometers have been constructed. Additionally, the section includes 30 curves covering 23.72 kilometers.

Advanced Features for Passenger Safety and Comfort

The Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section incorporates several advanced features to enhance passenger safety and comfort. These include ballastless tracks and canted turnouts, marking a first for the Indian Railways. CCTV monitoring and state-of-the-art tunnel safety technology, including ventilation and firefighting systems, further contribute to passenger safety.

Electrification and Modern Amenities

The Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section of the USBRL project, spanning 185.66 RKM route kilometers and serving 19 railway stations, has been fully electrified. This electrification, completed at a cost of Rs 470.23 crore, enables the operation of modern Vande Bharat trains in the section. Other notable features include 25-KV OHE inside the longest operational tunnel (T-80) in the Banihal-Quazigund section, specialized equipment for high-altitude operations, and 132/33-KV traction substations at altitudes exceeding 1,600 MSL.

The launch of train services on the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section marks a significant milestone in India's railway infrastructure development. This section, with its engineering marvels and advanced safety features, brings the nation closer to connecting Srinagar with Kanyakumari, fostering greater connectivity and economic growth in the region.