Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNO): The dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari through railway is becoming a reality as Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has authorised the opening of the newly constructed 17 km long Katra-Reasi rail track for public carriage of goods and passenger traffic, railway officials said.
A seven-page authorisation letter by CRS Dinesh Chand Deshwal, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) give green signal for the opening of the newly constructed broad-gauge line between Katra and Reasi stations for public carriage of goods and passenger traffic
This marks the completion of the entire Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla new broad-gauge rail link project in the Firozpur division of Northern railways.
The CRS had inspected the newly constructed track in January this year by motor trolley, and on foot that was followed by a speed trial on the entire section from Katra to Banihal.
The speed trial was conducted in both up and down directions, from Katra to Banihal and vice-versa, using an inspection special fitted with OMS equipment and hauled by electric locomotive.
The speed during the trial was generally 110 km/h, with no peaks above 0.15g observed. "Based on completion documents and safety certificates, certifying satisfactory completion of works, and based on sample checks conducted during my inspection, I am of the opinion that the provisions for the opening of public carriage of goods and passenger traffic have been met."
The CRS has authorised the regular opening of the section for public carriage of passengers and freight traffic at a maximum permissible speed of 85 km/h on the main line and 15 km/h on turnouts, with the authorisation subject to compliance with various conditions, guidelines, and stipulations.
The railway will commence train operations shortly after the issuance of this authorisation, and the date of the introduction of passenger services shall be advised to the commission, the letter states.
The work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project started in 2005-06. The 118-km-long Qazigund-Baramulla rail section in Kashmir was inaugurated in October 2009. The 18 km Banihal-Qazigund and 25 km Udhampur-Katra sections were commissioned in June 2013 and July 2014. The Sangaldan-Banihal section was completed last year and is now operational.
The railway line to Kashmir has 38 tunnels with T-49 - measuring 12.75 km - being the country's longest rail tunnel. The line has 927 bridges. It includes the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab river in the Reasi district, which sits at an elevation of 359 metres—(KNO)