Srinagar, Jan 04 (KNO): With an investment of Rs 30,139 crore, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is all set to redefine connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
Spanning 272 kilometers through the challenging Himalayan terrain, the project has been in development for several years and is now nearing its much-anticipated completion.
Senior engineers and technical staff associated with USBRL told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the project is recognized as of national importance and will foster economic growth and integration.
“One of the most remarkable feats of this initiative is its traversal through rugged and mountainous landscapes, which posed unique engineering challenges. Despite these obstacles, the project boasts several engineering marvels, including the Chenab Bridge. Towering at 359 meters above the river bed, it holds the distinction of being the world’s highest railway bridge,” says a senior railway official who has been working with the project for the past three years.
The construction of this rail link, he said, has not only connected communities but also generated substantial employment opportunities for thousands in the region." Its impact on the local economy is already being felt. Improved connectivity is expected to attract tourists in greater numbers, offering easier access to the scenic beauty of the Kashmir Valley and boosting the region’s tourism industry."
The USBRL project, as per a senior engineer, has incorporated state-of-the-art safety measures, such as earthquake-resistant structures, ensuring the safety and reliability of the railway network. "Environmental considerations have also been a priority, with efforts made to minimize ecological impact and protect the region’s natural heritage during construction."
With the final stages of the project underway, regular train services to Srinagar are expected to begin soon. "Once operational, the USBRL will not only facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people but also transform the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is a crucial step toward integrating the region more closely with the rest of India."—(KNO)