Jammu: The first trial train on the Katra-Banihal section ran successfully on Saturday, a step ahead of the final safety inspection scheduled for next week to decide when rail services will begin in Kashmir.
Over the past month, six trials have been conducted on various sections of the track, including India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab arch bridge at Kauri.
Sandeep Gupta, Chief Administrative Officer of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), confirmed the success of the trial and stated that the Commissioner of Railway Safety will conduct statutory inspections on January 7 and 8.
Following these inspections, a report will be submitted, which will guide the decision to launch train services to Kashmir.
Gupta added that while the trial was conducted at a speed of 75 kmph, safety trials will be carried out at 110 kmph.
The trial, which ran between Katra and Banihal, passed through snow-covered mountains, showcasing both natural beauty and engineering achievements.
The USBRL project aims to connect Kashmir to the rest of the country via rail, with the Anji Khad Bridge being a key engineering milestone. The bridge, with a pylon rising 331 meters above the riverbed, is one of the tallest railway bridges in the world, second only to the Chenab arch bridge.
Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced that the Vande Bharat train connecting Kashmir to New Delhi may be inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in January. The project is nearing completion, with only a small stretch between Katra and Reasi left to be finished by December.
