New Delhi, Aug 6: Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw has termed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) as one of India’s most challenging infrastructure projects post-independence, saying it has made every Indian proud.
In a written reply in Lok Sabha, the Minister said the recently commissioned 272-km project spans Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla districts.
Highlighting engineering marvels, he said the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and Indian Railways’ first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad were constructed under this project. The Chenab Bridge stands 359 meters above the riverbed, while the Anji Khad Bridge’s deck is 331 meters high.
Vaishnaw noted that the project generated over five crore man-days of employment and involved construction of 215 km of approach roads, tunnels, and over 320 small bridges, improving regional connectivity and boosting local socio-economic development.
To ensure safety, all tunnels over 2 km feature mechanical ventilation and firefighting systems, with 66 km of escape tunnels built for emergencies. The Minister emphasized that slope stabilization was guided by global experts, including IISc Bangalore and IIT Delhi, to minimize ecological disruption.
Environmental safeguards were implemented based on assessments by NEERI, including sedimentation tanks, reverse pumping of water, and controlled blasting techniques. Sensors have been installed in tunnels to monitor air quality, and the entire rail line is electrified to reduce carbon emissions.
Land acquisition was done under the J&K State Land Acquisition Act, 1990. A total of 1,559 hectares of private and 277 hectares of government land were acquired, with ₹816.21 crore paid in compensation.
The Minister asserted that this all-weather rail connectivity would significantly enhance tourism in Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding the environment through sustainable construction practices and biodiversity conservation efforts.
