Train Services Soon On World's Highest Rail Bridge In J&K? Here's What We Know
train services soon on chenab world's highest rail bridge in jammu and kashmir? here's what we know
New Delhi: The train service from Ramban to Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir, passing over the world's highest railway bridge on the Chenab River, is expected to begin soon, according to the Northern Railways. Currently, trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, with services also running from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan said, "This is an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district.”
He added, “It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. It is the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon.”
Railway officials recently conducted an inspection of the newly constructed railway line and stations between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi.
Sujay Kumar, Deputy Chief Engineer of Konkan Railways, stated that the project was extremely challenging. "People being affected by this project are all very happy. We hope everything will be completed soon," he said.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is set to be completed by the end of the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the project, including the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan section, on February 20 this year.
Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km long Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. The next few phases included the inauguration of the 18 km long Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km long Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.
The Chenab Rail Bridge, a part of this project, stands 359 metres (around 1,178 feet) above the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region, making it nearly 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge, which is 1,315 metres long, is a key element of the broader initiative to connect the Kashmir Valley to the Indian Railway network.
(With inputs from ANI)