In a historic milestone for Indian Railways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 48.1-kilometer Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, marking a transformative leap in all-weather connectivity for the region. The ceremony, scheduled for February 20 during the PM’s visit to Jammu, includes the virtual dedication of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan rail link to the nation and the flagging off of the inaugural electric train from Baramulla to Sangaldan.
With an investment of Rs 15,863 crore, the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan route is now operational, exemplifying a remarkable engineering feat. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project itself is recognised as one of the most ambitious Himalayan railway endeavours post-Independence, contributing significantly to the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
The Banihal-Sangaldan section, constituting a substantial portion of the USBRL project, features 16 bridges, including 11 major ones and a road overbridge. Impressively, over 90% of the route is comprised of tunnels, with 11 tunnels covering a distance of 43.37 kilometres. Notably, the Khari-Sumber section boasts the country’s longest transportation tunnel, T-50, spanning an impressive 12.77 kilometres. This significant infrastructure development addresses the long-standing aspiration of the people in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, who have eagerly awaited train services. The inauguration of the Banihal-Sangaldan section is poised to bring about a transformative impact on their lives, fulfilling a decades-old dream and providing vital last-mile connectivity. In addition to the railway inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate and lay the foundation for 209 projects worth Rs 3,161 crore, further emphasising the Government’s commitment to comprehensive regional development. The USBRL project, sanctioned in 1994-95 with a budget of Rs 37,012 crore, has witnessed substantial progress. With an expenditure of Rs 26,786 crore incurred up to March 2022, 161 kilometres of the total 272 kilometres have been commissioned in phases. The completion of the Banihal-Sangaldan section represents a critical step towards achieving seamless connectivity from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
Noteworthy milestones within the USBRL project include the commissioning of the Qazigund-Baramulla section in October 2009, the Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013, and the Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014. The project also boasts the world’s highest railway arc bridge over the Chenab River, situated at a remarkable height of 359 meters, enhancing the crucial link from Katra to the Banihal section of USBRL.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication of the Banihal-Sangaldan section underscores the Government’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s rail infrastructure, facilitating enhanced connectivity, and realising the vision of a seamlessly connected India.
