A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s railway infrastructure with the opening of the country’s longest rail tunnel in Jammu, marking a momentous occasion for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link.
Prime Minister Modi presided over the historic event in Jammu, virtually flagging off two electrified trains simultaneously. One train departed from Srinagar to Sangaldan in the down direction, while the other traveled from Sangaldan to Srinagar in the up direction. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 48.1-kilometer-long Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, which includes the groundbreaking T-50 tunnel spanning 12.77 kilometers in the Khari-Sumber segment.
Considered the most challenging of the 11 tunnels in the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, T-50’s construction commenced around 2010 and culminated in operationalization after nearly 14 years of relentless effort. Safety measures within the tunnel are paramount, with an escape tunnel constructed parallel to T-50 to facilitate passenger evacuation in emergencies. Furthermore, connecting passages have been strategically placed at 375-meter intervals to ensure swift and safe evacuation.
To combat fire incidents, water pipes have been installed along both sides of the tunnel, equipped with opening valves every 375 meters for effective firefighting. Escape tunnels have been established for larger tunnels as well, ensuring comprehensive safety protocols.
The inauguration of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section brings India closer to realizing the ambitious vision of connecting the Kashmir valley in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. Previously, eight diesel trains operated between Baramulla and Banihal, but with the extension of the Banihal route to Sangaldan via Khari and Sumber, electrified trains now run the entire route from Baramulla to Sangaldan.
The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link will unveil remarkable infrastructural marvels, including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Bridge, the first cable-stayed bridge of the Indian Railways. With a total length of 272 kilometers and a project cost of ₹41,119 crore, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link epitomizes India’s commitment to modernizing its railway network and fostering connectivity across the nation.
As the project nears its completion in the coming months, passengers can anticipate a transformative journey facilitated by cutting-edge infrastructure and enhanced connectivity.
Sources By Agencies
