In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest transportation tunnel on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The launch also marked the introduction of the first electrified train, known as T-50, in the picturesque Kashmir Valley.
The USBRL project aims to seamlessly integrate the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region and the National Railway Network. The newly inaugurated 12.77-kilometer tunnel, located in the Khari-Sumber section, is considered one of the most challenging segments among the 11 tunnels in the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangadal Section.
With this development, trains can now travel from Baramulla to Sangaldan via Banihal, enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the region.
Ensuring safety measures for the tunnel, water pipes have been strategically installed on both sides, with valves placed every 375 meters to spray water in case of a fire emergency. Additionally, an escape tunnel runs alongside USBRL, allowing passenger evacuation at intervals of 375 meters in case of emergencies, prioritizing passenger safety.
A Railways official highlighted the infrastructural marvels that passengers will soon experience once the complete USBRL opens, including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Bridge, the first cable-stayed bridge of the Indian Railways.
The completion of this tunnel is a significant achievement, considering its construction commenced in 1996, and the tender was awarded in 2013. After more than a decade of dedicated efforts, the tunnel stands as a testament to India’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure.
