The final speed trials on the Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project were conducted on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. These trials were part of the mandatory inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The trials included high-speed tests on the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge.

Major engineering achievements highlighted

The CRS inspection and trials mark a critical milestone for the USBRL project, aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Over the past month, the Railways has carried out multiple trials to assess the safety and readiness of the track. These tests focused on engineering marvels like the Anji Khad Bridge, which features a single pylon rising 331 meters above the riverbed, and the Chenab Rail Bridge, which stands 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.

“The speed trials through the Anji Khad and Chenab Rail Bridges were crucial to ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the route,” said Sandeep Gupta, Chief Administrative Officer of USBRL. “The report from the CRS will guide further action on starting train services to Kashmir.”

Progress on the USBRL project

The USBRL project aims to provide seamless rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, facilitating economic growth and regional integration. The Railways has already completed 255 kilometers of the 272-kilometer project. The remaining stretch between Katra and Reasi is expected to be completed by December 2025.

Engineering marvels on display

The Anji Khad Bridge, described as a “true engineering marvel,” incorporates 48 cables across its lateral and central spans. Construction of the bridge began in 2017, and it now stands 191 meters above its foundation. The Chenab Rail Bridge, another key feature of the USBRL, remains the world's highest railway bridge and a testament to Indian engineering excellence.

Next steps in the project

The CRS inspection included high-speed trials at 110 kmph, compared to earlier tests conducted at 75 kmph. The results of these trials will determine the timeline for the inauguration of train services. In November 2024, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train connecting Kashmir to New Delhi upon the completion of the USBRL project.

The successful conclusion of these trials brings the Railways closer to realizing its goal of connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, marking a significant step in India's rail infrastructure development.