New Milestone for Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: Banihal-Sangaldan Section Set to Open on February 20
The long-awaited inauguration of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, a pivotal 48.1-kilometer stretch of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is scheduled for February 20. Indian Railways will commence train services on this significant segment, marking a major step forward in enhancing connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually inaugurate the section, ceremoniously flagging off a train from Sangaldan.
The culmination of the Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) inspection, spanning two days, paved the way for this historic event. During the inspection, a high-speed trial run of 125 kilometers per hour was conducted from Sangaldan to Sumbar along the Khari rail line. Engineers, architects, technicians, and construction workers involved in the USBRL project witnessed this milestone, which included successful speed tests through tunnels and bridges en route Sangaldan-Sumbar-Khari stations.
Before the high-speed trial run, Commissioner of Railway Safety Dinesh Chand Deshwal meticulously examined various aspects including track conditions, traction, telecom, signaling systems, platforms, and overall railway station infrastructure.
The newly developed 48-kilometer stretch of the USBRL project encompasses four stations: Sangaldan, Sumbar, Khari, and Banihal, located in the Ramban district.
The commencement of operations on the Sangaldan to Banihal section of the USBRL project is contingent upon the submission of the Commissioner Railway Safety inspection report to the government, marking a significant leap forward in bolstering railway connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
