Significant progress on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link as key tunnels completed

SRINAGAR — The long-awaited dream of travelling to Kashmir by train is closer to reality as significant progress has been made on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Tunnel T-15 and part of Tunnel T-14 have been completed, marking substantial milestones in this ambitious infrastructure endeavour.

As per the news agency KNO, the completion of these tunnels is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. As per the officials associated with the project, the USBRL project, set in the challenging Himalayan terrain, required advanced tunnelling techniques including heading, benching, invert excavation, kerb concreting, and the installation of geotextile, geo-membrane, reinforcement, and concrete lining.

To address geological challenges such as loose rocks during tunnel blasting, an umbrella-type pipe roofing system was implemented. The New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) technology was employed, involving approximately 1,600 skilled and semi-skilled workers during the peak construction phase.

Spanning 272 kilometres, the USBRL project is of national importance and promises to transform transportation in the region. The Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run from Sangaldan to Reasi at a speed of 110 km/hour, navigating through Tunnel T-15 and part of Tunnel T-14.