The eagerly awaited Baramulla-Sangaldan railway service in Jammu and Kashmir took a major step forward with the successful completion of a mandatory safety inspection on the 48-kilometer Banihal-Sangaldan railway section. This crucial milestone paves the way for the inauguration of the service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024.
The inspection, conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), D.C. Deshwal, involved a thorough examination of the railway track, tunnels, and other systems along the stretch. This included a two-day inspection and a successful speed trial of an electric train between Sangaldan and Khari railway stations. The final report from the CRS is expected soon, but the initial green light signifies a significant achievement for this ambitious project.
The Banihal-Sangaldan section forms part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-kilometer project that aims to connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of the Indian railway network. This section holds particular importance, traversing challenging terrain in the Ramban district and marking a significant step towards the project’s completion.
The successful safety inspection is not just about technical soundness; it carries symbolic weight as well. The USBRL project has faced delays and setbacks over the years, and this milestone signifies progress and reinforces the commitment to improving connectivity in the region. The inauguration by the Prime Minister further underscores the project’s significance and is expected to be a major highlight for the local population.
The new railway service is anticipated to bring numerous benefits to the region. It will provide a faster, more comfortable, and all-weather mode of transportation, boosting tourism, trade, and economic activity. It will also enhance connectivity for local residents, facilitating travel and access to essential services.
While the safety inspection marks a significant achievement, there are still hurdles to overcome. The remaining 111 kilometers of the USBRL project require completion, and ensuring continued safety and security along the entire route will be paramount. Nevertheless, the successful inspection of the Banihal-Sangaldan section serves as a positive step towards a more connected and prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir.
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