Muneeb Nazeer
Jammu, Jan 04: As part of step for development of railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, a trial run on the vital Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link has been successfully completed.
This milestone is expected to improve connectivity in the region in a notable manner, bringing the northern and southern parts of the Union Territory closer.
According to the details collected by the news agency—JKNS, the Katra-Banihal stretch is an important part of the ambitious Kashmir rail project that seeks to connect Jammu with the Kashmir Valley through an all-weather, dependable rail network.
The officials said that with the successful trial run, it is a crucial step toward making the section operational that will bring down the travel time and make remote places more accessible.
“This trial run brings us one step closer to seamless rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. It will play a crucial role in boosting trade, tourism, and overall development,” said an official.
Notably, the Kashmir rail link project is considered one of the most challenging engineering feats in India, owing to the region’s rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. The Katra-Banihal section includes several tunnels and bridges, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
It is worth mentioning once completed, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line would open up better socio-economic opportunities for people of the region. It would serve as a viable transport option both for locals and tourists, thereby further integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.—(JKNS)
