Train to Kashmir: Successful trial on world’s highest railway bridge sparks joy

Srinagar, Jun 20: The dream of travelling to Kashmir by train is nearing reality as the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project progresses.
On Thursday, a successful trial run of a ten-coach train from Sangaldan to Reasi brought this dream closer.
The train journey included crossing the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab bridge, which stands taller than the Eiffel Tower. The Chenab bridge boasts a height of 359 meters compared to the Eiffel Tower’s 300 meters.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, the bridge utilized 30,000 metric tons of steel and can endure winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour.
The trial run began at around 12 noon from Sangaldan and reached Reasi Railway Station by 2 PM. The train carried employees working on the project and railway officials. Upon its arrival at Reasi Railway Station, the air was filled with cheers of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” from the local onlookers who had gathered to witness the historic moment.
The success of this trial run signifies that regular train services from Reasi to Kashmir could commence soon, bringing the vision of a train journey to the picturesque region of Kashmir one step closer to fulfilment.