Srinagar: GM Shobhan Chaudhuri of Northern Railways recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway link, focusing particularly on the nearing completion of the 3.2 km long T-33 tunnel. Despite encountering numerous challenges along the way, significant progress has been made.
Accompanied by Chief Administrative Officer USBRL and other senior officers from Northern Railways and KRCL, GM Chaudhuri commenced his inspection from the Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station yard, traversing via motor trolley up to the Chenab Bridge. During the inspection, key areas such as Tunnel no. 33, Tunnel no. 34, Anji Bridge, Tunnel no. 35, Reasi Yard, Tunnel no. 36, and the Chenab Bridge were meticulously scrutinized.
Discussion with engineers from Northern Railway and KRCL highlighted the remaining tasks essential for the completion of Tunnel T-33, with GM Chaudhuri expressing satisfaction at the current pace of progress. However, he stressed the importance of closely monitoring all activities and allocating resources effectively to expedite the work.
Given the challenging geological terrain, particularly the passage through the main boundary thrust, GM Chaudhuri underscored the criticality of completing the Katra tunnel for the overall project commissioning. Additionally, he inspected the bridge instrumentation at Bridge no. 220 in Reasi Yard and Bridge no. 224 in Bakkal Yard, while also assessing proposed museum construction sites at Kauri near the Chenab Bridge.
Following the site inspection, a review meeting was conducted to assess the detailed status of works block section-wise with KRCL. GM Chaudhuri emphasized the importance of meeting targets without slippage, urging diligent planning to address any shortfalls.
Acknowledged as one of the most challenging railway line endeavors in the Indian subcontinent, the USBRL project traverses through the geologically complex young Himalayas. Despite the obstacles, progress brings the Indian Railways closer to connecting the Kashmir Valley with the broader railway network each day.
