Through Our Lenses
USBRL: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Link
The USBRL is a critical rail linking project in Indian railways which after completion will join the Kashmir valley with mainland India with rail connectivity.
INDIAFEATURED
7/16/20242 min read
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link project has got all the attention of the people ever since a major bridge on the Chenab River was completed. The bridge being taller than the Eiffel Tower is no small feat in itself nor is the intricate design and construction that went into it
The rail link project was announced by then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi in 1983, was further declared as a National Project in 2002 by Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It has been delayed several times due to realigning and difficult terrain to work. A major section of this 272 km long project has been operational, with a small portion between Sangaldan and Reasi awaiting clearance from CRS, and work on a tunnel that crosses the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) of the Himalayas remains.
The USBRL holds significant importance for changing the demographic of the region as it has provided employment opportunities for the locals as the majority of workers required for the construction have been sourced locally. After completion of the project, the Kashmir Valley will be connected to mainland India and will allow the local community to expand their business with ease of travel and shipment. The tourism in the valley will see a greater inflow of tourists as travel will be easier through trains when compared to air and road as rail travel in India is still the most affordable and safest means to transport.
The Chenab Bridge on the Chenab River is a cable-stayed arch bridge in this section and is an engineering marvel. The design of this bridge is complex as the extreme cold climate, seismicity, and wind load all have been factored into its design. The engineering marvel lies in the seismic zone V and can withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter scale, high-density blasts, and winds up to speeds of 260 kilometers per hour. It has a single rail track which is designed for trains to run up to 100km/hr. The trial on the bridge was successful and is awaiting CRS clearance.
The rail link will enhance the region with tourist influx in all weather conditions and help businesses to grow as well as increase in employment opportunities. It will also smoothen the translocation capacity of the armed forces in the border areas of Kashmir.