Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Jan 8: Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone with the successful completion of a high-speed trial on the challenging 180-degree climb from Katra to Banihal under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
This development, conducted under adverse conditions, marks a major step towards connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via a direct rail link.
Northern Railway Safety Commissioner Dinesh Chand Deswal described the event as a promising advancement for the Indian Railways, signaling the potential launch of the much-awaited rail service. “The trial at 110 km/h on the 180-degree climb is a significant achievement in the history of Indian Railways,” Deswal said.
The high-speed trial began at Katra station at 10:30 AM, with the train covering the distance to Banihal station in just one and a half hours. The return journey commenced at 2:00 PM, concluding at Katra by 3:30 PM. This trial is the final high-speed test on the track, according to Deswal, who added that the data collected during the two-day statutory inspection will now undergo analysis. A decision regarding the launch of the direct rail service is expected to follow after review by the central government.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier announced the completion of the Reasi-Katra section in December, a significant step in the USBRL project. Launched in 1997, the project has faced numerous delays due to challenging geographical, climatic, and technical conditions.
The USBRL project is a critical initiative aimed at integrating Kashmir into the national railway network. “The success of the trial not only highlights the technical prowess of Indian Railways but also brings the dream of seamless rail connectivity to the region closer to reality,” Deswal said.
