News Brief
With Katra-Banihal Rail Service In J&K Set To Begin Soon, IGP Jammu Evaluates Security Readiness Along Route
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As the much-anticipated Katra-Banihal railway section nears its official inauguration, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, conducted a thorough security review of the strategic locations along the route, reported PTI.
This critical section, soon to be opened for commercial operations, is a major milestone in connecting Kashmir to the rest of the Indian Railways network.
Accompanied by Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) Rayees Mohammad Bhat and Shridhar Patil, along with senior police and railway officials, the IGP visited key railway stations at Katra, Reasi, and Sangaldan, as well as the iconic Chenab bridge at Kauri.
The review focused on evaluating security measures, law enforcement deployment, surveillance systems, and anti-sabotage preparedness to counter any potential threats.
During the visit, the IGP engaged directly with officers and personnel on the ground, scrutinising existing security protocols, surveillance mechanisms, and inter-agency coordination.
He emphasised the need for heightened vigilance, strengthened security checks, and seamless collaboration between the police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and other security agencies.
At key points like railway stations and the Chenab bridge, he directed officials to reinforce security measures and improve coordination with the RPF to safeguard passengers and vital infrastructure.
The flag-off ceremony for the Katra-Baramulla rail service is expected to be conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon as the Commissioner of Railway Safety has given the green signal for running the service on the section.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, spanning 272 kilometres, has already seen successful trial runs, including across India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge – the Anji Khad bridge – and the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab river.
The Anji Khad bridge, a structural marvel, features a single pylon rising 331 metres above the river bed, standing 191 metres from its foundation.
With a length of 473.25 metres, it is among the two highest railway bridges in the world, alongside the Chenab bridge, which soars 359 metres above the river bed, surpassing the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres.
