Katra–Baramulla rail line inspected ahead of launch
Ahead of launching the rail services between the Kashmir valley and the rest of the country, General Manager, Northern Railway, Rajesh Kumar Pandey, inspected the Katra–Baramulla rail line and directed officials to complete pending works within timelines while ensuring strict safety compliance.
Accompanied by the Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu Vivek Kumar and other senior divisional officials, Pandey carried out an extensive inspection from Katra to Srinagar on Sunday and from Budgam to Baramulla on Monday, a Public Relations Officer said in a statement.
He said the GM reviewed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project to assess operational readiness. Pandey conducted a rigorous examination of the safety of railway tracks, bridges, and tunnels, particularly given the region’s challenging terrain.
During his inspection, he issued directives to all divisional officials to ensure the completion of all pending works within the stipulated timelines and to strictly adhere to safety standards in operations without any compromise.
“This inspection marks a significant step towards establishing direct rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India,” the statement said.
Presently, a train service including Vande Bharat Express is operating from Katra in the Jammu region to Srinagar since June last year following completion of the USBRL project and its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
