‘Safety prime concern, everything is being checked’*
Experts from world will come to study engineering marvel
JAMMU, Nov 19: Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said today that security is prime concern before the launch of train to the Kashmir valley (remaining track of Katra-Sangaldan) and when everything is checked and approved, they will seek time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inauguration of the train service in January next year.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the railway track near highest rail bridge in Reasi district, Bittu said security is prime concern before start of train services and everything has to be checked and approved by the Railways staff.
“The Railways staff is on the job. They have put in tremendous efforts in construction of track to the Valley. They deserve all credit for this. The Railways officials are conducting repeated inspections. Hopefully, the train services will be launched in January next year,” he said.
The MoS Railways, who was accompanied by senior officers of the Railways, said they will seek date convenient from the Prime Minister for inauguration of train services to the Kashmir valley in January.
Presently, the train services are operational from different parts of the country up to Katra via Udhampur and Jammu and from Baramulla to Sangaldan. Now, the track between Katra to Sangaldan is nearing completion and is expected to be ready by December. Safety checks are being conducted on the remaining track before inauguration of the train services from across the country right up to Baramulla.
“The Prime Minister’s vision of `Viksit Bharat’ can be accomplished by making good National Highways and Railways like United States and other countries. The rail to Kashmir is one of such projects of national importance,” Bittu said, adding the project is case of a study for the world.
“Experts from the world will come to study the engineering marvel,” he added.
The Railways Minister said not only the people will be able to reach Kashmir from New Delhi in Rs 1500, Rs 2100 or Rs 3100 but the train will give boost to tourism and trade.
“There will be a boom in the tourism with tourists having halts at Jammu, Katra (for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji darshan) and the Valley. The dry fruits, vegetables and other projects will reach New Delhi within no time benefitting the traders,” he added.
Bittu gave all credit to the Railways for working under extreme hostile conditions in the mountainous areas with adverse weather conditions for constriction of the railway track including the highest rail bridge.
The Railways, it may be mentioned, has been mulling trains to the Kashmir valley from different parts of the country after commissioning of the railway track completely. Vande Bharat sleeper train is also expected to be among the first few trains which will run from New Delhi to Baramulla. Presently, two Vande Bharat trains are operational between New Delhi-Katra daily.
Bittu said he had the incredible opportunity to visit the iconic Anji Khad Bridge in Reasi, a testament to Bharat’s engineering brilliance and determination.
“This architectural masterpiece, suspended over the breathtaking Anji River, is the first cable-stayed bridge on the Indian Railways network, connecting not just two mountains but also dreams with reality,” he wrote on X
The MoS Railways said the project has been spearheaded under the guidance of Chief Administrative Officer Sandeep Gupta, whose leadership has been pivotal in overcoming the challenges of this ambitious endeavor. “The combined efforts of IRCON International Limited, responsible for the construction, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) for its technical expertise, have turned this engineering dream into reality,” he further wrote.
“What made this visit truly special was meeting the hardworking and dedicated workforce behind this project. Their relentless effort, precision, and passion are the true foundation of this engineering wonder,” he said.
He added that on the stretch from Katra to Banihal, there are eight escape tunnels spanning a total length of 67 km.
These tunnels are equipped with motorable roads for quick access and evacuation, PA systems for emergency communication, CCTV surveillance for constant monitoring, lay-bys for crossing vehicles and tunnel drainage systems for efficient water management.
