Srinagar, Jan 8 (KNS)The Northern Circle’s Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Dinesh Chand Deshwal, has provided a positive outlook for the long-awaited direct rail service between Kashmir and the rest of the country. However, he emphasized that a final decision would depend on the analysis of data collected during a two-day statutory inspection, which concludes later today.
According to KNS, Deshwal spoke to reporters after a successful high-speed trial run on the newly completed Katra-Banihal section. The trial, conducted at a speed of 110 km/h, marked a significant achievement in overcoming the challenges posed by the region's steep gradients and rugged terrain. "This trial has written a new chapter in the history of the Railways," Deshwal remarked, lauding the efforts of engineers involved in the project.
The trial train departed from Katra at 10:30 am and reached Banihal within 90 minutes. It returned to Katra in the afternoon, completing the final speed trial on the track.
The CRS noted that the inspection and trials had been satisfactory so far, adding that the infrastructure was outstanding.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWhile he refrained from providing a timeline for the start of services, Deshwal expressed optimism about a fair and timely decision following the data analysis.
This development comes shortly after Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the completion of the Reasi-Katra section, a crucial milestone in the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) project. The project, which began in 1997, has faced delays due to challenging geological and meteorological conditions.
Of the total USBRL project, 209 kilometres have been commissioned in phases. The Katra-Banihal section includes key engineering marvels, such as the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges, which underwent multiple successful trial runs over the past month.
The completion of this project is set to enhance connectivity and boost economic development in Kashmir, marking a historic moment for Indian Railways and the region. (KNS)