Indian Railways Connects Kashmir Valley With Rest Of India Through USBRL

Indian Railways has made a significant achievement in a project called the Udhampur-Baramulla-Srinagar Rail Link, commonly known as USBRL. This project aims to connect Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through railways. It’s a challenging task, even more than Atal Tunnel, as it involves building rail lines through the difficult terrain of the Himalayas.

One of the most notable accomplishments in this project is the completion of a very long tunnel, named Tunnel T-1. This tunnel is over 3 kilometers long and connects two places called Katra and Reasi. 

It’s a big deal because building this tunnel was not easy. The area has very tough geological conditions, like rugged mountains and a lot of water seeping into the tunnel. Plus, the tunnel passes through a tricky part called the Main Boundary Thrust, which made the work even harder.

To overcome these challenges, engineers used a variety of advanced techniques. They switched from the conventional method of tunneling to a more specialized method, involving things like deep drainage pipes and special supports to keep the tunnel stable.

This tunnel is a key part of the USBRL project, which includes constructing 38 tunnels between Katra and Banihal. Each tunnel had its own challenges, but Tunnel T-1 was one of the toughest. Its completion is a big step towards finishing the rail link.

The Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, spoke about this project in the Lok Sabha. He explained that the USBRL is one of the most challenging railway projects taken up in India after independence. 

It’s not just about building tunnels but also includes constructing the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed bridge over AnjiKhad.

The project is significant for several reasons. It’s creating jobs and has helped build over 215 km of roads in the region. It’s also improving travel for people, making it quicker and more comfortable compared to buses. Plus, it’s boosting the local economy and tourism.

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This project is a big achievement for Indian Railways and a positive step for connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, making travel and transport easier and helping the local communities.