In a significant breakthrough for the Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the 3209m long Tunnel T-1 between Katra and Reasi Stations has been successfully completed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) for Northern Railway. This accomplishment marks a monumental stride towards progress and enhanced connectivity.
Under the USBRL project, this breakthrough is a key milestone, ensuring that all tunnels required for the project have been successfully constructed. The Katra-Reasi stretch, covering a challenging 111 kilometers, faced multiple interruptions during construction, necessitating the involvement of global experts. Tunnel T-1, formerly recognized as the most challenging tunnel due to its passage through the Himalayan Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), presented formidable geological challenges, including rugged terrain and substantial water inflow from within the tunnel.
Work on Tunnel T-1 had to be halted multiple times, notably in 2017, due to a rockslide within the tunnel. However, employing advanced techniques and maintaining resilience, the railway successfully overcame these challenges. In 2017, the tunnel was renamed from T1 to T33 by Indian Railways.
The completion of this tunnel is a significant achievement in the broader context of the USBRL project, which involves the construction of 38 tunnels between Katra and Banihal. While all tunnels on this rail route have been completed, Tunnel T-1 posed the greatest obstacle, being the longest and encountering unique geological complexities. The project involved meticulous planning and the application of various engineering technologies, ensuring that the 3209m long Tunnel T-1 is now successfully excavated, underscoring the commitment of Indian Railways to infrastructural progress.
