The Indian Railways plans to enhance the efficiency of the 135-kilometre Banihal-Baramulla railway track in Jammu and Kashmir by introducing a double track system. Tenders have been issued to initiate the final location survey (FLS) for the double-laning of the Baramulla-Qazigund section, aiming to increase the capacity of the railways. The use of modern survey techniques such as Aerial Photogrammetric survey, Aerial LiDAR, and DGPS will aid in the engineering survey. The completion of this project will significantly boost train capacity and improve connectivity in the region. Construction on the Katra-Banihal section, the most challenging part of the project, is currently in progress and is expected to be operational by January 2024.

“Tenders have been issued for the engineering survey of the Railway line/roadway using modern survey techniques such as Aerial Survey (Aerial Photogrammetric survey or Aerial LiDAR) and DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System),” Saqib Yousuf, Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir Railways said. The CAM said that after the proposed survey, the capacity of the trains and the number of the trains will increase tremendously. “The capacity of the trains will be doubled,” he said, and added that the work is expected to start soon.

Work on the intervening 111 kms of Katra-Banihal section is going on and this section is the most challenging portion for construction due to its geology and extensive riverine system with deep gorges. With 87 per cent of the total length (97 km out of 111 km) in tunnels, this section presents an engineering challenge in the highly rugged and mountainous terrain with one of the most difficult and complex Himalayan geology.