Banihal, 4 January 2025: The first trial run of a train successfully completed its journey on the Katra-Banihal section ahead of the upcoming safety inspections scheduled for next week, which will pave the way for the possible launch of rail services connecting Kashmir.
Sandeep Gupta, Chief Administrative Officer of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), who was onboard the train, confirmed the success of the trial. “Under the safety trials, we conducted today’s run. We were part of this successful run,” Gupta told reporters.
The trial, which ran through picturesque, snow-capped mountains, marks another phase in the rail project’s progress. “The Commissioner of Railway Safety will perform statutory inspections on January 7 and 8,” Gupta added. “Following these inspections, the Commissioner’s report will determine the next steps toward launching train services to Kashmir.”
The train’s journey between Katra and Banihal was an awe-inspiring sight for passengers, with stunning views of the snowy mountains blending with state-of-the-art railway engineering. The train reached Banihal around 1:30 PM, drawing attention as it passed key infrastructure, such as the Anji Khad Bridge and the Chenab’s arch bridge at Kauri, both extraordinary engineering feats.
The USBRL project, which aims to establish vital rail links between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, continues to make history. The Anji Khad Bridge, with its imposing 331-meter pylon and 48 supporting cables, stands as one of the remarkable achievements in the project. Along with the Kauri bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world at 359 meters, it forms part of the infrastructure that supports this ambitious railway venture.
Looking ahead, the Railway Ministry has set its sights on completing the 272-kilometre USBRL route. While nearly 255 kilometres are ready for operation, work on the stretch between Katra and Reasi is expected to wrap up by December. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s likely inauguration of the Vande Bharat express connecting Kashmir with New Delhi, slated for January, further signals the project’s rapid progress.
Officials are hopeful the commissioning of services will occur in phases, bringing the region closer to full railway connectivity.
