Reasi-Banihal rail track, a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), has officially begun. Scheduled to continue over two days, this inspection is crucial for ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the track, which is slated to become operational by January 2025. The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Dinesh Chand Deswal, is overseeing the process, accompanied by a team of rail safety experts.
The inspection, which started on Monday, will assess all technical aspects of the infrastructure along the Reasi-Banihal link, marking a pivotal moment in the progress of the USBRL project. This vital rail connection will enable the launch of the Vande Bharat train service, which is expected to provide a faster, more efficient rail link between Delhi and Srinagar. The inspection team is thoroughly evaluating the infrastructure, with a particular focus on the section from Kodi to Katra. Notably, the inspection includes the iconic cable bridge over the Anji Khad, a marvel of engineering. Another highlight of the USBRL is the world’s tallest railway bridge, the Chenab River Bridge, which towers 359 meters above the river—higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Constructed at a cost of Rs 1486 crore and requiring 30,000 tonnes of steel, this bridge is a key symbol of the project’s ambition and technical achievement.
This rail link is expected to significantly boost the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the horticulture sector, by providing cost-effective transportation for produce like apples to markets across India. Furthermore, the USBRL will provide a reliable transportation option for both residents and tourists, reducing travel times between Delhi and Srinagar to just 12 hours. As the final inspection continues and the Vande Bharat train service nears its operational launch, the USBRL is set to become a transformative piece of infrastructure for the region, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities.