News Brief
Indian Railways Powers Kashmir Rail Infrastructure With Modern Track And Coach Upgrades
A passenger train in Kashmir. (Indian Railways/Twitter)
With the Jammu–Srinagar rail corridor now fully operational, Indian Railways has launched a comprehensive overhaul of rail infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley.
One key aspect of the ongoing overhaul is the dramatic transformation of track maintenance, now powered by the deployment of advanced, high-tech machinery.
Two Ballast Cleaning Machines (BCMs) have deep-screened 11.5 km of tracks, and an additional two machines sent in July have completed another 2.5 km.
In support of these efforts, 17 ballast rakes were dispatched from depots in Kathua, Qazigund, Madhopur, and Jind, delivering 19,000 cubic metres of fresh material to the valley’s railbeds.
The quality of rail infrastructure is also being monitored and enhanced through diagnostic surveys.
Track Recording Car (TRC) runs and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) checks conducted in June and July have helped Indian Railways identify weaker sections and target improvements with greater precision.
“We will improve the track quality by significantly upgrading the track technology and maintenance practices... AI will be extensively used in detecting defects. These technological changes will substantially improve the working conditions for track maintenance staff,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to high-quality rail infrastructure.
Meanwhile, coach maintenance has seen a structured upgrade process. One MEMU rake has already been overhauled and reintroduced into service.
Another MEMU and two DEMU rakes are currently undergoing POH, with four more DEMU units scheduled for upgradation over the next few months.
The upgradation includes refurbishing with modern amenities including vibrant anti-graffiti exterior paint, bio-toilets, PVC flooring, upgraded seating, improved ventilation, charging sockets, and enhanced public announcement systems.
These coach upgradation works are slated for completion by 31 August, 2025 across the Kashmir valley.
