A speed trial run of Katra-Srinagar Train was performed from Katra to Banihal on the newly constructed BG line by motor trolley and on foot, followed by an inspection of the Katra-Reasi section by the CRS.
Officials said the 22-bogie train made its first successful trial run on the newly completed line connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country on Sunday (January 19, 2025) between Katra and Srinagar.
In four hours, the 18 AC coaches, two luggage carriers, and two engines of the train reached their destination under the watchful eyes of the railway authorities after departing Katra railway station around 8 am.
Dinesh Chand Deshwal, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (Northern Circle), gave his approval six days after Katra-Srinagar’s first trial run.
In the seven-page letter he sent to the ministry and railway authorities on January 7 and 8, he authorized public carriage of goods and passengers.
In his report, the CRS referred to his inspection of the newly constructed BG line, followed by a speed trial along the entire Katra-Banihal section of the line.
Following this, he authorized regular opening of the section to passengers and freight at maximum speeds of 85 kph on the main line and 15 kph on the turnout.
Since 1997, work for the dream project of connecting Kashmir by train has missed several deadlines due to geological, topographical, and meteorological factors.
A total of 272 km of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) was commissioned in phases, beginning in October 2009 with the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, followed by 18 km Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, 25 km Udhampur-Katra in July 2014, and 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section in February 2017.
In June last year, work was completed on the 46-km Sangaldan-Reasi section, leaving a 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra. According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the railway minister, this section was finally completed in December 2024.
Katra-Banihal section of the railway was successfully tested with an electric train on January 4. During the past month, six trials have been conducted on various segments of the track, including the two major milestones of the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.
Keywords: Katra to Srinagar train, Katra to Srinagar train update, Srinagar train update
