Banihal-Sangaldan section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link to open soon; All you need to know

The Indian Railways will soon inaugurate the train services on the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section. The section, of about 48.1 kilometres, is a significant part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project and will be operational from February 20.

According to an Indian Railway official, “We will get a step closure to realise our dreams to connect Srinagar with Kanyakumari”. He added, “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is one of the most ambitious Himalayan railway projects post-Independence.”

Sharing a glimpse of the MEMU train trial on the Khari- Sangaldan section, the Ministry of Railways wrote on its official X handle, “Step towards eco-friendly rail connectivity in J&K!”

 

Meanwhile, sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the operation of the train through video conference. However, there is no confirmation of the same.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region and the wider national rail network. It covers a total distance of 272 kilometres of which 161 kilometres are already in operation. The Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan segment has been completed at ₹15,863 crore, according to the Indian Railways.

The current train services, operating from Baramulla to Banihal, will be extended to Sangaldan, situated near Ramban’s district headquarters.

Talking about the project, a senior railway official said, “Spanning the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal ranges, the USBRL project aims at establishing an all-weather, comfortable, and economically feasible transportation network, connecting the remote Himalayan areas with the rest of the country”, PTI reported.

The senior official associated with the project stated that it has 16 bridges, including 11 major, 4 minor, and a road overbridge. While over 90% of the total stretch is in tunnels, with a total of 11 covering 43.37 kilometres, it includes the country’s longest transportation tunnel, T-50, as well.

Given the conditions, there have been three escape tunnels for safety and rescue purposes. In addition to that, several advanced features such as canted turnouts, and CCTV monitoring units to enhance passengers’ safety and comfort have been incorporated.