The 272 km-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, entirely located in Jammu & Kashmir, has been recently commissioned. Covering Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla districts, the USBRL is one of the most challenging railway projects undertaken post-independence.

The project includes the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Bridge in Reasi district—measuring 1315 m in length, 467 m arch span, and standing 359 m above the riverbed. It also features Indian Railways’ first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad, with a deck height of 331 m and 193 m high main pylon.

More than 5 crore man-days of employment were generated, and over 215 km of approach roads including tunnels and 320 bridges were constructed, improving regional connectivity.

Safety features include mechanical ventilation systems in tunnels over 2 km, firefighting systems, and 66 km of escape tunnels. Advanced controlled blasting and sensors for air quality were implemented in the Katra-Banihal section.

Environmental safeguards guided by NEERI, Nagpur, include sedimentation tanks, alternative village water supply, turfing on muck yards, and plantation of native species. IISc Bangalore and IIT Delhi led slope stability designs for the Chenab Bridge, backed by global consultants.

The project is fully electrified, ensuring reduced carbon emissions. Land acquisition involved 1559.48 hectares of private and 276.71 hectares of government land, with ₹816.21 crore compensation disbursed per J&K State Land Acquisition Act, 1990.

This information was shared by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Source/PIB