The most challenging and significant part of the New Delhi-Srinagar rail link (Katra-Srinagar) track is now fully prepared and is due for final inspection on January 5, 2025.
The inspection will clear the way for the direct rail connectivity between the national capital and Srinagar, a development expected to commence within the next month.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct the final inspection of the 18-kilometre stretch between Reasi and Katra, and a CRS train will operate on this track as part of the process, reports said.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of Northern Railway has examined the track via trolley, and further, the commissioner for railway safety has also conducted his initial inspection from the Reasi to Katra.
Further, the conclusion of these evaluations on January 5, 2025, will finalise preparations for the trains to run directly to Kashmir from New Delhi.
The Katra-Srinagar rail track is recognised as the most difficult railway line in the country, constructed amidst challenging terrain.
This 111-kilometre Katra-Banihal railway line includes engineering marvels such as the 3.2-kilometre T1 tunnel near Katra and the iconic Chenab Bridge, the tallest rail bridge in India.
It’s pertinent to mention that this track will be one of the region's major tourist attractions in the coming days, as 97 per cent of it passes through tunnels or bridges.
The railway project, which connects Jammu to Katra and Banihal to Baramulla, represents a significant achievement in infrastructure development.
The final Katra-Banihal stretch, which includes the newly inspected Resi-Katra section, will link the northernmost region of the country to Kanyakumari.
The first train on this route is likely to be a Vande Bharat Express, offering speed and comfort to passengers travelling to and from the Kashmir Valley.
Follow us
