Kashmir: The process of bringing the visionary railway project, connecting Kashmir and the rest of India, to reality has gained some notable momentum with the recent accomplishment of the T-33 tunnel on the Katra to Reasi route. A new milestone was established with the successful tests of the train engine and freight train on this newly constructed railway.
Key Development
The journey of the T-33 tunnel’s completion follows the successful trials at the Chenab Rail Bridge, which is popularly known as the highest railway bridge globally. In the past, tests were operated from Sangaldan to Reasi; however, the delayed construction of the T-33 tunnel hindered the train service between Katra and Reasi. But now, this latest addition bodes well for the trains.
The new train route is expected to start from Jammu to Katra, then from Katra to Reasi, followed by Sangaldan, and eventually to Baramulla in Kashmir. At present, the trains are functioning from Sangaldan (Ramban, Jammu) to Baramulla, and Katra is the only station that can be boarded from Jammu as well.
Importance of the New Route
The route from Katra to Reasi is notably important because this is the main productive rail link that integrates Kashmir and the rest of India. Upon completion of both the Chenab Bridge and T-33 tunnel, the dream of both residents and tourists riding through the unparalleled beauty of the Kashmir Valley in a train will soon come true.
The Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the momentous achievement on his Twitter handle, “First electric engine passes through tunnel No. 1 and Aunji Khad cable bridge.”
With these changes, Indian Railways is going to be a game changer in the rail network segment by significantly increasing the connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. This project is bound to bring a surge in tourism and tackle local people by giving them the proper access.