PM Modi Launches India's Longest Transportation Tunnel In Jammu And Kashmir

Defense News ,India :- In a significant development for India's transportation and railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country's longest transportation tunnel as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This historic event, held on a Tuesday, also marked the launch of the first electrified trains in the Kashmir valley, heralding a new era of connectivity and progress for the region.

The inauguration was conducted through a virtual event by Prime Minister Modi from Jammu, where he flagged off two electrified trains. One train journeyed from Srinagar to Sangaldan in the downward direction, and the other from Sangaldan to Srinagar in the upward direction, with over 100 school children and their teachers onboard as special guests for this inaugural trip, symbolizing the bright future this project promises for the coming generations.

During this event, the Prime Minister also officially opened the 48.1-km-long Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, which features the T-50 tunnel. Stretching over 12.77 km, the T-50 tunnel is not only the longest in this section but also represents the most challenging engineering feat among the 11 tunnels that comprise the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangadal corridor. 

The operationalization of this tunnel is a culmination of years of meticulous planning and hard work. The initial survey work for the tunnel began around 1996, but it wasn't until December 2013 that the tender was finally awarded, leading to about a decade of efforts to bring this project to fruition. The Northern Railway officials highlighted that with the opening of this section, trains can now traverse from Baramulla to Sangaldan via Banihal, thus extending the rail network significantly.

Safety has been a paramount concern in the design and construction of the T-50 tunnel. In addition to the main tunnel, an escape tunnel runs parallel to it, ensuring a safe evacuation route for passengers in emergencies. This escape tunnel is connected to the main tunnel at intervals of every 375 meters, allowing for quick and efficient rescue operations. Moreover, comprehensive fire safety measures have been implemented, including water pipes along both sides of the tunnel, capable of dousing flames efficiently in the event of a fire.

The extension of the railway line to Sangaldan and the electrification of the trains from Baramulla to Banihal, now extended to Sangaldan, mark significant milestones. This development not only enhances the connectivity within the Kashmir valley but also moves the country a step closer to realizing the dream of a seamless railway link from the northern reaches of Kashmir to the southern tip of India in Kanyakumari.

The project's journey began with the operationalization of the Quazigund-Baramulla section in 2009 by the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. This was followed by the opening of the Banihal-Quazigund section in July 2013, which included the T-80 Pir Panjal tunnel spanning 11.2 km. 

As the USBRL project progresses towards completion, passengers will soon witness the marvels of modern engineering, including the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab and the Anji bridge, Indian Railways' first cable-stayed bridge. Spanning a total length of 272 km and costing ₹41,119 crore, the USBRL project stands as a testament to India's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity, bringing together diverse regions of the country and fostering growth and development.

The inauguration of the longest transportation tunnel and the launch of electrified trains in Kashmir by Prime Minister Modi is not just a leap forward in the nation's railway expansion but also a symbol of technological advancement and unity, promising a brighter, more connected future for India.