Engineers directed to speed up repairs, ensure long-term safety
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: In a high-stakes review of rail safety on a critical inter-state link, senior officials of Indian Railways on Friday conducted a comprehensive inspection of rail bridge over the Ravi River and directed engineers to fast-track restoration works and ensure adherence to the highest safety standards ahead of the monsoon season.
The inspection, carried out on the Kathua–Madhopur rail section connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Punjab, was led by Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, Commissioner of Railway Safety Dinesh Chand Deshwal, and Chief Administrative Officer (USBRL) Alok Mishra.
The bridge had sustained damage during heavy rainfall in 2025, prompting ongoing repair and reinforcement work.
Officials described the bridge as a strategically vital structure on the route that serves as a key rail link between the Jammu region and the rest of the country, and eventually to the Kashmir Valley under the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
During the inspection, teams carried out a detailed technical assessment of the bridge’s structural integrity, focusing on the condition of its pillars, foundations, and load-bearing capacity.
Engineers were asked to ensure that all repair works meet stringent engineering benchmarks to guarantee long-term stability and uninterrupted rail operations.
“The emphasis is on safety, durability, and timely completion,” a senior official said, adding that the bridge must be made resilient to withstand extreme weather conditions, particularly in light of recurring heavy rainfall patterns in the region.
The review also extended to track geometry and the condition of sleepers on and around the bridge, with officials examining alignment and stress factors that could affect high-speed train movement. Modern signalling systems installed along the section were tested to ensure seamless and safe train operations.
In a critical directive, the Commissioner of Railway Safety called for enhanced preparedness for the upcoming monsoon, instructing field engineers to remain vigilant and ensure that contingency mechanisms are in place to tackle emergencies such as flooding or structural stress.
Emergency response systems, including rescue equipment and rapid-reaction protocols, were also reviewed during the visit. Officials stressed that the safety ecosystem must be robust enough to respond swiftly to any unforeseen situation on the bridge.
The inspection gains added significance as Indian Railways continues to push for faster and more reliable connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, with infrastructure upgrades forming the backbone of this expansion.
Any disruption on this section could have wider implications for passenger and freight movement between Jammu and Punjab.
Railway sources said the review is part of a broader effort to audit and strengthen critical infrastructure across vulnerable sections of the network, particularly those exposed to harsh weather and challenging terrain.
Senior engineers and officials from the Jammu Division were present during the inspection, and were directed to maintain strict timelines while ensuring zero compromise on safety standards.
