In order to connect Jammu and Kashmir completely with the rest, recently Union MoS Railways reviewed the pace of progress on the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL project.
He reviewed the pace of progress on the prestigious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project, the Minister directed the concerned to complete the dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by 2023, saying that there is no dearth of funds for the development and welfare of the people of the country.
Taking first hand appraisal of pace of progress on land acquisition, availability of construction material and minor minerals, he directed the Railway Authorities, District Administrations and Construction Agencies to redouble their efforts to meet its timely completion which will connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through rail link. He instructed the concerned authorities to adopt the permission procedure in due course of time for procurement of construction material so that early completion of this prestigious project is ensured.
He was informed that the total length of USBRL is 272 KMs, of which 161 KM has already been commissioned, while the work on the 111 Kms Katra-Banihal stretch is in progress and is expected to be completed by April 2023. The Katra- Banihal stretch comprises 27 nos. of Main tunnels and 8 nos. of Escape tunnels involves 97 Kms tunnelling work. The T-49 is the longest tunnel i.e., 12.75 Kms situated between Sumber- Arpinchala in Sangaldan area of Ramban district.
The project is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 27,949 crores, the meeting informed, and added that as many as 786 people who have lost their 75 per cent land are provided jobs in Railway, besides other basic facilities are also being provided to the locals.