Indian Railways Embarks on Doubling Kashmir Valley Railway Line; Final Location Surveys Initiated for Baramulla-Uri and Leh-Manali Projects
In a recent exclusive interview with editor Siddharatha at the news station, Shobhan Chaudhary, the General Manager of Northern Railways, unveiled significant updates regarding the expansion of railway infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley. Indian Railways is set to commence work on doubling the existing railway line, aiming to enhance connectivity and cater to the growing demand for transportation in the region. Tenders have already been issued for the Final Location Survey, marking a crucial step in the project’s implementation.
Simultaneously, the Final Location Survey for the Baramulla-Uri railway line has also been initiated. This development showcases Indian Railways’ commitment to expanding its network and bolstering connectivity across the region.
Chaudhary further shed light on the Leh-Manali rail project, revealing that the Final Location Survey for this ambitious undertaking has been successfully completed. However, he acknowledged the presence of certain challenges that need to be addressed. Railway officials are engaged in discussions with the Ladakh Union Territory, primarily concerning land acquisition and other pertinent issues. A forthcoming meeting has been scheduled to deliberate on these matters and devise suitable solutions.
During the interview, Chaudhary highlighted the accomplishments of Northern Railways in the previous fiscal year. He outlined the future plans of the organization, which encompass key areas such as safety measures, punctuality improvements, increased emphasis on railway-based transportation of goods, and the development of essential infrastructure. The General Manager emphasized the importance of energy efficiency, expressing the railway’s commitment to transitioning from diesel to electric systems for train operations. Additionally, he underscored the significance of environmental concerns, including the harnessing of solar energy, water recycling, and rainwater harvesting initiatives.
Providing an update on the prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, Chaudhary revealed that significant progress has been made, with the majority of the work nearing completion. Only two tunneling sections, each spanning 200 meters, remain to be finalized. The project’s completion date has been announced as February 2024, as declared by the Hon’ble Minister of Railways during his visit to the renowned Chenab Bridge.
Addressing the need for enhanced train speeds, the General Manager disclosed plans to erect boundary walls along sections of the tracks designated for high-speed operations. These measures are aimed at preventing trespassing by both cattle and pedestrians. Furthermore, manned level crossings are being gradually replaced with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or Road Under Bridges (RUBs) to facilitate the seamless movement of rail and road traffic.
In a remarkable endeavor to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, Indian Railways intends to introduce hydrogen trains on the historic Kalka-Shimla section. This innovative initiative will substantially reduce pollution levels in the region while promoting sustainable transportation.
Chaudhary called upon the media fraternity to contribute to the popularization of railways as the preferred mode of goods transportation. He highlighted its minimal environmental impact, capacity for bulk transportation, and reputation as the safest mode of transportation, ensuring reliable and timely delivery.
As Indian Railways continues to advance its ambitious projects, the doubling of the railway line in the Kashmir Valley, the Baramulla-Uri railway line survey, and the completion of the Leh-Manali railway line survey stand as significant milestones in the nation’s journey towards a well-connected and sustainable transportation network.
