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As we know that Jammu and Kashmir will soon be on the map of Indian Railways. Bholu its mascot, will register the Railway's presence in this hilly district of the state. Much awaited 55 km long Jammu-Udhampur Railway track is almost complete and just waiting for the train to pass by year 2007.
Would like to share few interesting challenges and hurdles of Indian Railways on this project which is built at cost 4700 crores between Jammu-Udhampur-Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla national rail project.
Actually the project was sanctioned by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the early's 80 but it was delayed due to geo-technical problems and lack of funds at the initial stages. But in 1994-95 sufficient funds were allocated and the work gain momentum.
The railway line passing though hilly stations like Bajalta, Sangar, Manwal and Ramnagar Road. Laying of a railway line on rocks and cliffs has not been an easy task due to the topography of the Shivalik ranges which has always been a challenge. But engineers, labourers, and the railway officials have made it possible with their determination. Using the latest technology, the railway line has been laid with 20 tunnels and 158 bridges. It has the longest tunnel of about 2.5 km length which is longer than the Jawahar Tunnel on the National Highway No.1 on the Pir Panjal ranges, connecting the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country by road. The Gambhir bridge is another example of the engineering feat. It is 77 metres high. It is the highest rail bridge in this section. It is an engineering marvel telling us how we are capable of completing arduous tasks despite hurdles.
The project is progressing on schedule now and railway hopes to run trains carrying sleepers, rails and ballast less tracks are being laid for the first time in the country on the route and reinforced hollow concrete peirs have been consructed on all viaducts and bridges keeping the seismology activity of the area in mind.
Interesting part of this project is first time India and the World will witness the train runs on road. A train coach, fitted with a special engine and the 36 truck tyres,zig-zagged through the serpentine highway, Gone are the days of Iron wheels on trains coaches of the train will be pulled by the truck trailer having 460 HP especially designed engine ( Volvo ).Once the coach reaches at Badam railway station the truck wheel will be replaced by normal iron wheels .
Sharing few pics of this project.
1) Tawi Bridge longest single span bridge on Indian Railways ( 102m)
2) Dudhar Bridge ( 64M+92M+64M )
3) Gambhir Bridge ( 77 m high )
4) 2.5 km long tunnel
5) Train on truck wheels
