Srinagar: In a historic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the longest transportation tunnel in India on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). The ceremony, conducted via video conferencing from Jammu, witnessed the flagging off of the first electrified trains in the Kashmir valley. Addressing the audience virtually, PM Modi initiated two electrified trains simultaneously, one from Srinagar to Sangaldan in the down direction and the other from Sangaldan to Srinagar in the up direction. The event also celebrated the dedication of the newly constructed rail line covering Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan, spanning 48 km at a cost of Rs 15,863 crore. Expressing optimism about a future where train travel connects the entire country, PM Modi highlighted ongoing connectivity efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. He mentioned the expansion work at Jammu Airport and plans to link Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail. The Prime Minister flagged off trains running from Srinagar to Sangaldan and Sangaldan to Baramulla during the ceremony. PM Modi commended the electrification campaign of railways across the nation and extended congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the introduction of their first electric train. He acknowledged the deployment of modern trains like Vande Bharat, with Jammu and Kashmir being among the initial routes chosen. The event was attended by notable figures, including Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, and other local representatives. The newly inaugurated rail line utilizes Ballast Less Track (BLT), ensuring a smoother ride for passengers.
Notably, the section includes India’s longest transportation tunnel, T-50, spanning 12.77 km between Khari and Sumber. The commissioning of the Banihal-Sangaldan section, part of the larger USBRL Project, is a significant step towards establishing an all-weather transportation network through the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal Ranges. Out of the total 272-km USBRL Project, 161 km has already been commissioned, with the latest addition of 48 km between Banihal and Sangaldan. PM Modi reiterated the increased connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir and the expansion work at Jammu Airport, emphasizing the holistic development these initiatives would bring to the region. The electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section, covering 185.66 km at a cost of Rs 470.23 crore, was also dedicated to the nation during the ceremony. The introduction of clean fuel-operated trains on the Baramulla-Banihal section, previously served by diesel-run trains, marks a significant shift. The move is expected to script a new chapter in the history of train travel in the valley, which encompasses 20 stations along this section. The inauguration ceremony symbolizes a major leap forward in enhancing connectivity, ensuring environmental sustainability, and stimulating economic development in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The USBRL Project, with its ambitious goals, aims to establish a comfortable and economically feasible transportation network through challenging terrains, contributing to the overall growth of the area. A senior official at Northern Railways told Kashmir Horizon that the track was originally set for a grand launch with aspirations of introducing the Vande Bharat Express on the Udhampur to Baramulla route, passing through the iconic Chenab Bridge, the Indian Railways is now encountering a setback in its plans. “The planned inauguration of the 272-kilometer network by February is facing delays due to ongoing tunnelling work around the Chenab Bridge,” he said, adding that a major portion of the work has been completed. The official said despite the completion of the impressive Chenab Bridge, standing at a towering height of 359 meters, taller than the Eiffel Tower, the progress in the tunnelling work around the bridge is still underway. “The entire route is now anticipated to become operational in July later this year, extending the initial February deadline by a few more months,” he added. In February 2009, the 35-kilometer section from Rajwansher to Baramulla was officially inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of UPA. Subsequently, in October 2009, the then Prime Minister opened the 18-kilometer stretch from Qazigund to Anantnag for public use. Currently, work is underway at different stages of progress for the remaining stretch from Katra to Banihal.
