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This trial run is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project
In a momentous achievement, Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run on the newly constructed Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, on Thursday (June 20, 2024). This trial run marks a significant step toward commencing rail operations on the Reasi-Baramulla route in Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing India's engineering prowess.
The eight-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train made its inaugural journey across the Chenab Bridge, standing an impressive 1,178 feet above the Chenab River. The bridge, which is 35 meters taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, connects the towns of Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district. This trial run is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, a Rs 35,000 crore initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, the Chenab Bridge project has been in the making since its approval in 2003 and contracting in 2008. Despite initial concerns regarding its safety and stability, the single-arch bridge has passed all mandatory tests, paving the way for regular rail services to commence soon.
During the trial run, the train traveled a 46-kilometer electrified section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi, navigating nine tunnels, including the longest one, Tunnel T-44, which stretches 11.13 kilometers. The train maintained a speed of 40 km/h, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of the newly constructed bridge and rail line.
Key stations along the route, including Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, and Sawlakote, are strategically located to serve the Reasi district and facilitate better connectivity in the region. The electrification of this section has been executed with state-of-the-art technology, utilizing the Rigid Overhead Conductor System (ROCS) at 25 kV for the first time in Indian Railways.
The USBRL project, which includes the 48.1-kilometer Banihal-Sangaldan section, has been a multi-phase endeavour. Phase-I, covering the 118-kilometer Qazigund-Baramulla section, was completed in October 2009 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Subsequent phases saw the completion of the 18-kilometer Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25-kilometer Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.
Earlier this year, the first electric train trial run on the Banihal-Katra section covered approximately 40 kilometers of track and tunnels, signaling a new era of rail connectivity in the region.
The Ministry of Railways highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, "Following a series of rigorous tests, this bridge will facilitate all train services, marking a monumental leap towards integrating the Kashmir valley seamlessly with Jammu and the broader Indian rail network."
The Chenab Bridge stands as a testament to India's engineering capabilities and commitment to improving infrastructure in the region. With the successful trial run completed, the commencement of regular rail services on this iconic route is eagerly anticipated, promising to enhance connectivity and boost economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The eight-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train made its inaugural journey across the Chenab Bridge, standing an impressive 1,178 feet above the Chenab River. The bridge, which is 35 meters taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, connects the towns of Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district. This trial run is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, a Rs 35,000 crore initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, the Chenab Bridge project has been in the making since its approval in 2003 and contracting in 2008. Despite initial concerns regarding its safety and stability, the single-arch bridge has passed all mandatory tests, paving the way for regular rail services to commence soon.
During the trial run, the train traveled a 46-kilometer electrified section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi, navigating nine tunnels, including the longest one, Tunnel T-44, which stretches 11.13 kilometers. The train maintained a speed of 40 km/h, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of the newly constructed bridge and rail line.
Key stations along the route, including Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, and Sawlakote, are strategically located to serve the Reasi district and facilitate better connectivity in the region. The electrification of this section has been executed with state-of-the-art technology, utilizing the Rigid Overhead Conductor System (ROCS) at 25 kV for the first time in Indian Railways.
The USBRL project, which includes the 48.1-kilometer Banihal-Sangaldan section, has been a multi-phase endeavour. Phase-I, covering the 118-kilometer Qazigund-Baramulla section, was completed in October 2009 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Subsequent phases saw the completion of the 18-kilometer Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25-kilometer Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.
Earlier this year, the first electric train trial run on the Banihal-Katra section covered approximately 40 kilometers of track and tunnels, signaling a new era of rail connectivity in the region.
The Ministry of Railways highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, "Following a series of rigorous tests, this bridge will facilitate all train services, marking a monumental leap towards integrating the Kashmir valley seamlessly with Jammu and the broader Indian rail network."
The Chenab Bridge stands as a testament to India's engineering capabilities and commitment to improving infrastructure in the region. With the successful trial run completed, the commencement of regular rail services on this iconic route is eagerly anticipated, promising to enhance connectivity and boost economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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