Historic Trial Run on Chenab Bridge Marks a Major Step Towards Connecting Reasi with Baramulla by Rail
In Short:
- Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run of an eight-coach MEMU train on the Chenab Bridge.
- The bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is the world's highest railway bridge.
- The trial run was on a 46-km electrified line between Sangaldan and Reasi.
- The trial run paves the way for rail service between Reasi and Baramulla.
- The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is nearing completion.
Indian Railways made history on June 20 by successfully running an eight-coach MEMU train on the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir. This trial run marks a significant milestone in the efforts to connect Reasi to Baramulla by rail.
The Ministry of Railways announced that senior officials from the Railway Board, Northern Railway, and Konkan Railway conducted an extensive inspection of the newly constructed bridge. Following this, a trial run was conducted on a 46-km electrified section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi. The train traveled at a speed of 40 kmph, starting at 12:35 pm from Sangaldan and arriving in Reasi at 2:05 pm. During the journey, the train passed through nine tunnels, the longest being Tunnel T-44, which spans 11.13 km.
This trial marked the first time a full train crossed the iconic Chenab Bridge, which connects Dugga and Bakkal stations. The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering, standing taller than the Eiffel Tower and being the highest arch railway bridge in the world.
The electrification of this section was achieved using state-of-the-art technology, specifically the Rigid Overhead Conductor System (ROCS) at 25 kV, a first for Indian Railways. Upon the train's arrival at Reasi railway station, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' filled the air, celebrating this historic event.
Local residents, including former sarpanch Raj Kumar Sharma, expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in connecting Reasi with Kashmir. Sharma recalled the numerous challenges faced over the past 20 years in constructing the railway, highlighting the significant progress made. He mentioned that while the trial included only a few coaches, a full train service is expected to start soon.
Another local, Tarun Sharma, described his journey from Reasi to Dhugga as historic. The USBRL project, including the 48.1-km-long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. The project has seen phased development, with earlier sections inaugurated between 2009 and 2014 under different administrations.
The first electric train trial run between Banihal and Sangaldan was successfully conducted earlier this year, showcasing the project's ongoing progress. The ministry stated that once all tests are completed, the Chenab Bridge will open for regular train services, further integrating the Kashmir Valley with Jammu and the rest of India.
This railway project, declared a "National Project" in 2002, includes 38 tunnels and 927 bridges, with the Chenab Bridge being a key highlight. The USBRL project's goal is to provide a reliable transportation system, promoting social integration, cultural exchange, and economic development through improved connectivity.
The successful trial run on the Chenab Bridge is a monumental step towards completing the USBRL project, which aims to enhance the transportation network in Jammu and Kashmir and foster regional development.