Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone with the successful full train trial run on the newly constructed Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. This bridge connects Sangaldan in Ramban district to Reasi.
Earlier, on June 16, the Indian Railways conducted a successful engine trial run on this marvel of engineering. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful electric engine trial, highlighting the progress made: "The first trial train has successfully run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including crossing the Chenab Bridge. All construction works for the USBRL are nearly finished, with only tunnel No.1 remaining partially incomplete."
The upcoming inspection by the Commissioner of Railways Safety (CRS), D C Deshwal, scheduled for June 27 and 28, marks the final stages of the project. Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, confirmed that all essential tasks will be completed before the inspection.
The USBRL project, spanning 272 km, has faced challenges due to complex geological and topographical conditions. Initiated in 1997, 209 km of the route has been commissioned in phases. The remaining 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra is expected to be completed by the end of the year, thus connecting Kashmir with the national rail network.
Sources within the Railways anticipate the inaugural train service between Sangaldan and Reasi to commence on June 30, following the successful trial run. Shobhan Chaudhuri, General Manager of Northern Railway, inspected the Chenab Bridge and the Bakkal-Duggar-Sawalkote-Sangaldan section last month to assess the project's progress.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the project's significance on social media: "The train service from #Ramban (Sangaldan) to #Reasi via the world's highest railway bridge built on river Chenab to begin soon. The #Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (#USBRL) project will be completed by year-end."
The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing 359 meters above the riverbed and towering 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, remains a critical component of the USBRL project.
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