The high-speed trial run of a train was successfully conducted on Wednesday on the challenging Katra-Banihal section to make rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country a reality within the next few days.
It is expected that Vande Bharat might start running between New Delhi and Srinagar by 26 January.
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Ashwini Vaishnaw posted pictures and wrote on X; “Final stage CRS safety inspection of the USBRL Project commences for Katra-Banihal section”.
The long awaited rail connectivity will provide passengers with a fast and comfortable travel option.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the new Railway Division at Jammu.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (Northern Circle) Dinesh Chand Deshwal on Tuesday started a two-day statutory inspection of the recently completed railway line along the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.
According to officials, the trial train covered the distance of 110 kms stretch within one hour and 10 minutes from Katra to Banihal.
The train also successfully crossed the world’s highest railway bridge on the Chenab River.
Meandering through the snow-capped mountains, the train run was successfully held on the Katra-Banihal section.
Excitement prevailed on the route as people in the wayside villages came out to witness the trial run.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made on the entire route as the rail line passes through areas that have witnessed terror activities in the recent past.
Sources said that the Army and CRPF along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, GRP and RPF will be deployed for the safety of the passengers and railway assets.
A company of the Army will be deployed to keep an eye on the vital Chenab bridge, sources said.
