In India, Kashmir is being developed for connecting it with other states of the country.  The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link) as it is officially named, originates from Jammu, which will cover 214 miles (345 km) to reach Baramulla located on the north-west border of Kashmir. The track passes through the key tremor regions, and caused to experience severe climatic conditions of heat and cold including uncongenial topography making this project an exceptionally challenging one for the engineers.

Different Railway companies have started building the link since 1983, which comes under the Firozpur division of the Northern zone of Railways. The line links Jammu, the summer capital and Srinagar, the winter capital of the state and more. Though the project is having a long and plaid history, substantial development was made only after 2002 when it was announced as a Nationwide Project. While 15th August 2007 was fixed as the deadline for completion of the project, it is extended to 2017 due to unexpected hurdles.

Four Sections

The Railway project of Kashmir is separated into four divisions:

Infrastructure and Construction

The Indian government has undertaken the new challenging railway project of Kashmir in the Indian subcontinent. The topography traverses the young Himalayas that are filled with ecological astonishments and copious difficulties. The laying of the tracks is one of the most challenging processes ever faced by the engineers with the only match, the Tibet’s Qingzang Railways. This project was completed during 2006, which passes through eternally ice-covered landscape and ascends approximately 1600 ft (5000m) above the sea level. Though the temperature of the Railway area in Kashmir is not as worse as Tibet, extreme winters are experienced with excessive snowfalls. The necessity to traverse the foothills of the Himalayas and the powerful range of Pir Panjal comprising of the tallest peaks crossing the heights of 4600m (15000 ft) makes the path more intricate.

Several bridges, tunnels and viaducts are included in this route. It is estimated that the railway will traverse more than 750 bridges, tunnels of over 62 miles (100 km), the longest being 7 mile (11.215km). The supreme challenges of the engineers involve the construction of a lengthy bridge of 4314 ft (1315m) across the Chenab River which is to be at a height of 1178 ft (359m) from the riverbed and another bridge for 2156ft (657m) long across Anji Khad at a height of 610ft (186m above the riverbed). While both of them are to be uncomplicated cross bridges, the highest among the world’s railway construction of this type will be the bridge over the Chenab River, which is 35m taller than the Eiffel Tower located in Paris.  It is planned to use weathering steel when constructing a bridge for an atmosphere friendly look and avoid the necessity of painting the same. The construction and design is analogous to the bridge built on the New River Gorge. Konkan Railway Corporation is managing the project for which 26000 tons of steel is essential, and the completion of the same was planned for 2012 that is four years later than the first secluded track was inaugurated for domestic commuter services.

New Austrian Tunneling technique is used for constructing the entire tunnels, which includes the Banihal Tunnel. In the process of constructing tunnels through the geographically juvenile and uneven Sivalik Mountains, several difficulties have been come across, especially the water opening issues witnessed between Udhampur and Katra, which have created the necessity of certain extreme solutions with the help of arches made of steel and shotcrete of many feet.

Though the track is being constructed through a hilly area, 1% ruling inclination is set for providing a secured, hurdle-free and dependable expedition. The most vital fact is that the bankers are not essential, which leads to a smooth and quick journey. The bridge is being built on 5’6” (1676 mm) broad gauge that is constructed on shotcrete sleepers comprising constant soldered rail with 676 m radius curve. The maximum speed of the line will be 62 meter per hour (100 KPMH). On the major bridges, provisions are given for doubling in future. Although initially diesel engines will be operated, provisions are made for electrification in the future since presently Kashmir is lacking enough electricity. Initially 30 stations serving with 10 to 12 trains a day are planned on the entire route.

The Indian Railways railhead meets the Kashmir line at Jammu Tawi. In 2005, the railroad from Jammu to Udhampur was inaugurated.

Shrinagar by Rail

Trains from several parts of India reach Jammu Tawi, which is the most vital railway junction in North India and Udampur in Jammu territory, which is the nearest railhead of Srinagar (202Kms). Rail services are available inside Kashmir from Anantnag to Baramulla. The State is connected with Jammu through railways and within the upcoming 5 to 7 years, the project is likely to be completed successfully.

Jammu by Rail

One of the vital North Indian Railhead is Jammu Tawi. There are several trains in service from and to Jammu.