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

26 Feb 2024 CW Team

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.

Real Estate

17 Jun 2025

Ashwin Sheth Group Buys 50% Stake in One Marina

Mumbai-based real estate developer Ashwin Sheth Group has acquired a 50 per cent stake in the Rs 23 billion (USD 275 million) luxury residential project One Marina, located in South Mumbai’s upscale Marine Lines. The acquisition was announced on 11 June and marks a major move in the city's premium housing market.The stake was acquired from Vallabh Sheth and Jitendra Sheth, promoters of Sheth Creators, who previously co-owned the project along with YM Infra, the landowner. This acquisition was supported by a substantial USD 65 million (over Rs 5.4 billion) investment commitment from PAG Singa..

96km Rail Line to Link Rajasthan's Sirohi to Network

In a major step towards improving infrastructure in Rajasthan, the central government has approved the final location survey for a 96-kilometre railway line connecting Marwar Bagra (Jalore)–Sirohi–Swarupganj, thereby integrating Sirohi district into the national railway network for the first time.The approval, announced on Monday, marks a long-awaited development for tribal-dominated western Rajasthan. Sirohi, currently without a rail link, lies near the important Delhi–Ajmer–Abu Road–Ahmedabad corridor, while Jalore is already on the Samdari–Bhildi–Gandhidham route.Railway Minis..

Push Grows for Berhampur-Sambalpur Rail Via Phulbani

A coalition of social organisations under the Milita Kriya Anusthan Committee has stepped up its campaign for the construction of a Berhampur–Sambalpur (Rairkhol) railway line via Bhanjanagar and Phulbani, aiming to improve rail connectivity in southern Odisha.On Friday, the group launched a public awareness drive across Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, highlighting the urgent need for the proposed railway route. A "Vikash Rath" bus, carrying around 40 committee members, began its journey from the local railway station, stopping for public meetings in Hinjili, Aska, and Bhanjanagar, with a fo..