Udhampur-Baramulla rail link faces delay; inauguration pushed to July

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, pivotal for connecting Kashmir with India via rail, confronts delays, pushing its inauguration to July due to infrastructure challenges. Initially envisioned as a grand launch with the potential introduction of the Vande Bharat Express travelling from Udhampur to Baramulla via the iconic Chenab Bridge, the USBRL's 272 km network faces setbacks. Ongoing tunnelling work around the Chenab Bridge contributes to the delay. While the Chenab Bridge, towering at 359 m and taller than the Eiffel Tower, stands ready, tunnelling work surrounding the bridge persists. The entire route will be operational in July, postponing the initial February deadline. Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, cited the formidable Himalayan terrain's geological complexities and hurdles in the Lok Sabha. Recently, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated several railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the 48 km railway line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section spanning 185.66 km. The inauguration also included the first electric train service in the Kashmir valley and the train service between Sangaldan and Baramulla stations. Partial commissioning of the USBRL, notably the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, is significant, featuring the Ballast Less Track (BLT), promising enhanced travel experiences. India's longest transportation tunnel, T-50 (12.77 km), lies within the Khari-Sumber stretch.