News Brief
After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Railways Steps Up Security Across 272-Km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: Report
Chenab bridge on USBRL project (Ministry Of Railways/ X)
After the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, the Indian Railways has intensified security measures across the 272-km-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in Kashmir, Indian Express reported.
Northern Railway general manager Ashok Kumar Verma on Wednesday (23 April) conducted a detailed inspection of teh some of the key tunnels and critical infrastructure on the rail link, IE reported citing sources.
He was accomapnied by key USBRL officials, including principal chief security commissioner Pankaj Gangwar and DRM of the Jammu Division.
Trains currently run on two segments: Sangaldan to Baramulla (184 km) and Udhampur to Katra (25 km) sections on the rail link.
The 63-km Katra-Sangaldan stretch is still awaiting inauguration, keeping the Valley disconnected by rail.
Its inauguration, planned for 19 April by PM Narendra Modi alongside the Vande Bharat train launch, was postponed due to bad weather.
“The general manager inspected the line and reviewed the status of the project’s key works. He inspected critical projects such as Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, and Banihal Tunnel. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and other security staff have been increased at three points,” a source was quoted as saying by IE.
Additional personnel have also been deployed for baggage scanning, and at tunnels and bridges, the source added.
The 111-km Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL is the most challenging section where the most security is needed as it has India's longest tunnel (T-50, 12.77 km), the world’s tallest rail bridge (Chenab, 359 m), and the Railways’ first cable-stayed bridge (Anji).
Notably, 97 km or 87 per cent of this stretch is tunneled, spanning eight major tunnels.
According to the source cited in the IE report, the RPF, GRP, and local police share input on an hourly basis to avert any untoward incidents.
"We have a dedicated centre for all the tunnels to monitor CCTVs around the clock. A special direction has been given to remain vigilant while checking the footage,” the source added.
