February 20, 2024, registered itself as a red-letter day in the history of Indian Railways, as country’s longest transportation tunnel namely ‘T-50’ on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) was dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he flagged off the first electrified trains of the Kashmir valley.
Engineering Marvel:
- The T-50 tunnel, 12.77 kilometers, has been completed after 14 years.
- Strict safety protocols have been implemented to ensure the reliability and security of the tunnel, reflecting a commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence.
The Other Noteworthy Tunnels on the Project are:
- Tunnel T48 – 10.20 km between village Dharam- Sumber station
- Tunnel T15 – 11.25 km between Sangaldhan – Basindhadar station
- Pirpanjal Tunnel – 11.2 km between Banihal – Qazigund station
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Virtual Flag-off of Electrified Trains:
- As part of the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi virtually flagged off 2 electrified trains, symbolizing a new era of modern rail transport in the region.
- One train started its journey from Srinagar to Sangaldan, while the other one traveled in the opposite direction.
Enhanced Connectivity Initiatives:
- In addition to the T-50 tunnel, PM Modi inaugurated the 48.1 km long Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section.
- These initiatives aim to facilitate seamless travel and freight movement, promoting economic growth and social development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Conclusion:
The inauguration of the T-50 tunnel underlines the government's unwavering commitment to advancing infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for its residents.