The first trial train successfully crossed the Chenab River on the world’s tallest railway bridge, which is situated in the picturesque region of Jammu & Kashmir, marking a significant milestone for Indian Railways. Through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, this historic event links the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the nation.
A Historic First Trial Run
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, announced the first trial run from Sangaldan to Reasi. He hailed the train’s successful crossing of the Chenab Bridge on social media, seeing it as a major turning point in the USBRL project. All other building work is almost finished, leaving only Tunnel No. 1 to complete.
Engineering Marvel: Chenab Rail Bridge
An engineering marvel, the Chenab Rail Bridge stands 35 metres above the Eiffel Tower, 359 metres (or roughly 109 feet) above the Chenab River. A key element of the larger USBRL project, which intends to smoothly link the Kashmir Valley with the Indian Railway network, is the 1,315-meter-long bridge.
Inauguration and Progress
Phase by phase, the USBRL project has been moving forward. The 118-kilometer Qazigund-Baramulla segment of Phase I was inaugurated in October 2009. The 18-kilometer Banihal-Qazigund segment in June 2013 and the 25-kilometer Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014 came after this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 48.1 kilometre Banihal-Sangaldan stretch on February 20, 2024, marking the most recent milestone.
Anticipation and Local Impact
Engineers and local officials were incredibly proud of this accomplishment. Vishesh Mahajan, the deputy commissioner for Reasi, called the bridge an eighth wonder of the world and an engineering marvel. While acknowledging the difficulties of the project, Konkan Railways Deputy Chief Engineer Sujay Kumar highlighted the joy and excitement .
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