Tunnel Communication Delays Hit USBRL Project in J&K

09 May 2025 CW Team

Northern Railway has raised concerns over delays in completing the tunnel communication system on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, specifically in the escape and main tunnels between Sangaldan and Katra.

The integrated very high frequency (VHF) communication system, essential for safe and efficient train operations, remains incomplete. Despite repeated instructions, Konkan Railway Communication Limited (KRCL), the contracted service provider, has not completed the installation of communication equipment in the escape tunnels.

As per Northern Railway’s written complaint, issues persist in the main tunnels as well, where noise, unclear voice transmission, and communication dropouts have been reported. The letter also noted that VHF has only been enabled at one station, while all six designed channels require fine-tuning. The Original Equipment Manufacturer has been urged to resolve these issues urgently.

Additionally, the delay in supplying and installing voice recording equipment (VRE) across block sections and the pending Radio Over IP (ROIP) setup at the Jammu divisional control office have further stalled progress.

Train services are currently operational between Baramulla and Sangaldan. However, full VHF communication is required for commissioning the final Katra-Banihal section.

Source:PTI

Infrastructure Urban

09 Apr 2026

Mineral Auction Rules Amended To Speed Mine Operationalisation

The Ministry of Mines notified the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2026 on 30 March 2026 to accelerate operationalisation of mines and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector. The amendment follows a prior change to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 effected on 17 October 2025 that introduced intermediary timelines between issuance of a letter of intent (LoI) and execution of the mining lease. The 2025 change provided that one per cent of performance security would be appropriated for each month of delay by the preferred bidder and introduced incentives for early operatio..

Indian Railways Strengthens Telecom And AI Safety Systems

Indian Railways strengthened its telecom and digital infrastructure during 2025-26 with the aim of improving safety, operational efficiency and the passenger experience. The programme promoted modernisation through advanced technologies, robust communication systems and passenger-centric solutions. These measures were presented as part of a drive to build a digitally integrated rail ecosystem. A key development was the enhancement of the Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) backbone, commissioned at 1,396 stations to meet bandwidth needs of mission-critical applications. ..

NHAI Holds Workshop on Litigation Management and Coordination

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) organised a day-long workshop in New Delhi to strengthen capacity and interdepartmental synergy for faster execution of national highway projects. The event was held under Mission Karmayogi – Sadhana Saptah, an initiative of the Government of India to enhance governance through capacity building and improved processes. The workshop focused on structured and solution oriented deliberations to address implementation constraints. The session was chaired by the NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and brought together senior officials from NHAI, the M..