A dream comes true
It is almost after a wait for eight long decades that the Jammu-Srinagar rail link will turn into a reality and this dream project will help resolve the connectivity issue Kashmir, Ladakh and other regions falling on this side of the Banihal range experienced.
Kashmir has since ages been deprived of its share of development and progress. The reasons were many but the prime one was the lack of connectivity it faced owing to it being a landlocked region.
Though Kashmir has always been rich in agricultural and horticulture resources but the same was not exploited to the level it should have been. Our produce did not reach the markets in time and the additional cost spent on transportation would always make it less competitive in the market.
Besides, the local economy the lack of connectivity also deprived the locals here the chance to intermingle and connect with the rest of the country as freely as other regions and states do.
This resulted in the people remaining within themselves and there were fewer cultural exchanges taking place leaving the people here in s state of disconnect. The rail connectivity that has now turned into a reality due to the consistent efforts of the incumbent government at the centre will not only ensure economic prosperity but will surely help in bridging the cultural and other gaps.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link as it is being named has spelled a new era for the region. The prestigious project to link Kashmir by train was started in 1997 and has missed several deadlines given the geological, topographical and meteorological challenges, leading to cost escalation and its completion at a cost of over Rs 41,000 crore.
Out of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km was commissioned in phases with the first phase of the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section commissioned in October 2009 followed by 18 km Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, 25 km Udhampur-Katra in July 2014 and 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February, last year.
The work on the 46-km Sangaldan-Reasi section was also completed in June last year, leaving a total 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra and this section was finally completed in December 2024 as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The railway line promises to change the way people travel in the region as the project brings not just better connectivity but also a renewed sense of safety for commuters in this remote terrain.
The railway line offers several wonders as one travels from Katra to Baramaulla. Not only does the track offer numerous tunnels which are a scientific marvel in itself but the Chenab bridge at 369 meters, is the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower and can withstand wind speeds over 250 kmph and is designed to resist earthquakes, making it one of the most challenging bridges ever built.
Those who have worked tirelessly to make the rail link a success deserve an appreciation as the project would not have been possible without ensuring centpercent dedication and commitment.
