| USBRL provides all-weather connectivity to Kashmir, opening new market | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 7: To provide connectivity of Kashmir valley to rest of India, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project (272 Km) has been commissioned. USBRL project covers the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir.
The USBRL project is one of the most difficult new railway line projects undertaken in the country post-independence. The terrain passes through young Himalayas, which are full of geological surprises and numerous problems. In this project, Railway has made the world's highest Railway Bridge over Chenab river in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Bridge is 1315 m long having Arch span of 467 m and height of 359 m above river bed. Indian Railway's first cable stayed bridge has been constructed across Anji Khad in this project. It is 473 m long asymmetrical cable stayed bridge with single Pylon of 193m height with inverted "Y" Shape.
Apart from providing rail connectivity, about 215 km (including a tunnel and 320 bridges) of roads have been constructed which are used by local population.
The entire rail project is electrified using a overhead conductor system in tunnels and in open stretches. With the all-weather, reliable and comfortable rail connectivity of valley portion with rest of the Indian Railway network, tourism will get a big boost.
After commissioning of the project, the travel time between Katra and Srinagar has been reduced to just about 3 hours.
The USBRL project has made substantial socio-economic contributions to the region. The integration of USBRL project with Railway Network has facilitated transportation of raw materials and finished goods, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. Farmers and local businesses are now able to sell their signature Kashmir products such as apples, dry fruits, pashmina shawls and handicrafts beyond the region, providing access to larger markets and promoting economic diversity.
To improve rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, following Final Location Surveys (FLS) have been sanctioned. |
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