Srinagar: In a major boost for railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the officials completed a trial run between Katra and Srinagar railway stations on Sunday. This was the first successful trial run on the railway line that was recently laid.
As per officials, the train which comprised 18 AC coaches, two luggage carriers, and two engines, left the Katra railway station this morning at 8 am. It reached its destination within four hours as railway officials continued to keep a watchful eye. Notably, this was the first trial run between Katra and Srinagar.
The development came days after Commissioner of Railway Safety (Northern Circle) Dinesh Chand Deshwal ordered the opening of the opening of the Broad Gauge line, which was constructed recently.
When did the project start?
Importantly, the project to link Kashmir by train started in 1997. However, since then, officials missed several deadlines due to various factors including topographical, geological, and meteorological challenges. Also, out of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, 209 km of the railway track was commissioned in phases.
A huge step forward for connectivity in #JammuAndKashmir
The successful 18-coach trial run on Katra-Budgam track marks a historic moment for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
Stronger connectivity means brighter opportunities for the people of region! @JammuKashmirNow pic.twitter.com/zzQN1Y0Rzq
— muneba tak (@MunebaT50003) January 19, 2025
While the first phase of the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section was commissioned in October 2009, two other sections Banihal-Qazigund and Banihal-Sangaldan stretch were commissioned in June 2013 and July 2014 respectively.
Notably, the work on the 46-km Sangaldan-Reasi section ended last year in June, with work yet to be completed on the 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra. The work on this section was completed in December 2024, as was announced by Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
A trial run of an electric train conducted successfully recently
Earlier, a successful trial run of an electric train was carried out on the Katra-Banihal section on January 4 this year. The railways conducted at least six trials on various areas of the track in the last six months which include two major milestones of the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.
