Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Vande Bharat Metro Train to Run on Jammu-Srinagar Route, Cutting Travel Time and Boosting Trade, Transport, and Tourism in the Region |
Travel Time Reduced Significantly
With the Vande Metro running between the two capital cities of the Union Territory, people will have an easier time traveling from Srinagar to Jammu and vice versa. The reduced travel time of 3.30 hours will practically make the two cities one city where one can leave Srinagar for Jammu in the morning and return home in the Valley by evening.
Cargo Terminals
Four cargo terminals will also be constructed on the Banihal-Baramulla rail stretch. The biggest benefit of these terminals will be that transportation of apples and other goods from Kashmir to other parts of the country will become easier. One can bring goods to these terminals, pack them, and they will be transported in air-conditioned coaches to their destination within a short time and at less expense.
Special Training Academy for Railway Staff
In addition to the maintenance of the railway track and other infrastructure built in a highly difficult mountainous terrain, a special training academy for railway staff will also be set up in Jammu. This will ensure that the staff is trained to maintain the railway track and other infrastructure in the best possible way.
The Highest Railway Bridge over Chenab
The railway minister also mentioned that the laying of railway track has been completed on the highest railway bridge over Chenab, and the electrification work will begin now. Built across the Chenab River between Bakkal and Kauri in Reasi district at a height of 359 m (1,178 ft) from the riverbed, the arch bridge, which cost Rs 1,400 crore, is 35 m taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Additional Tests to Be Conducted
After inspecting the bridge on Saturday, Ashwini Vaishnaw said that two further tests of a motor trolley and a bolero customized rail operation will be conducted. Tests for high-velocity winds, excessive heat, earthquake-prone areas, and the hydrological effects of rising water levels have already been conducted.
Bridge Foundation
Referring to the strength of the bridge, the minister said that its foundation on one side of the river is equal to the size of half of a football field, and nearly 28,000 tonne of steel has been used to build it. To make it strong enough to withstand seismic activity up to a 7.5 Richter scale, a special technology involving 18,000 special anchoring deviate bars that isolate the foundation from the superstructure was used. In case of any seismic activity, the foundation takes the entire pressure, and it does not go to the superstructure.
Conclusion
The announcement of the Vande Bharat Metro train running on the Jammu-Srinagar route is a significant development for the region. The project will not only boost tourism but also enhance economic growth by facilitating easier transportation of goods. The reduced travel time between the two cities will make it easier for people to commute and increase connectivity between the two capital cities of the Union Territory. With the project scheduled to be completed by December 2023 or January 2024, it is an exciting time for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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FAQs
- What is the Vande Bharat Metro train? The Vande Bharat Metro train is a high-speed train designed and developed by the Indian Railways.
- What is the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project? The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project is a railway line project connecting the cities of Jammu, Srinagar, and Baramulla in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- When will the Vande Bharat Metro train start running on the Jammu-Srinagar route? The Vande Bharat Metro train is expected to start running on the Jammu-Srinagar route once the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project becomes fully operational, which is expected to be by December 2023 or January 2024.
- What is the significance of the Chenab River bridge in the USBRL Project? The Chenab River bridge is the highest railway bridge in the world and is a crucial link between the Katra and Banihal railway lines as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project.
- How will the cargo terminals on the Banihal-Baramulla rail stretch benefit transportation of goods? The cargo terminals will make transportation of goods from Kashmir to elsewhere in the country much easier by providing a place to pack the goods and transporting them in air-conditioned coaches to their destination within a short time and at less expense.