Closure of Jammu-Srinagar Highway Continues for Second Day
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Synopsis
The Jammu-Srinagar Highway remains closed for the second day due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall, affecting essential supplies to the Valley. The USBRL is ready to connect the region with the rest of the country, promising significant benefits in transportation and commerce.
Key Takeaways
- Highway Closure: Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed due to landslides.
- Rail Connectivity: USBRL ready for commercial service, enhancing accessibility.
- Engineering Feat: Includes India’s first cable-stayed and highest railway bridges.
- Impact: Improved tourism, agriculture, and education for the Valley.
- Inauguration: Expected later this month by PM Modi.
Jammu, March 1 (NationPress) The crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been shut for vehicular traffic for the second consecutive day on Saturday, with traffic authorities reporting ongoing restoration efforts.
This closure is attributed to a landslide and shooting stones affecting the Ramban section of the highway.
Continuous rainfall over the past three days has caused landslides and mudslides in the Mahad Morh area of the highway on Friday.
The vital supplies to the isolated Valley travel through this highway, and any temporary suspension of the route leads to shortages of essential goods, particularly during the winter season.
With the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and its readiness for the launch of commercial train services, the Valley will stay connected with the rest of the nation via this rail link.
The laying of the railway track linking Katra in Reasi district to Banihal in Ramban district stands as an engineering feat, marking it as one of the most challenging projects undertaken by the Indian Railways.
This track includes the country’s first cable-stayed bridge, known as the Anji Khad Bridge, and the world’s highest railway bridge, which surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, named the Chenab Railway Bridge, along with more than a dozen tunnels.
The geography between Katra and Banihal has made the aspiration for a railway link to the Valley an unfulfilled vision for over 70 years.
The train is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with officials indicating that the launch could take place later this month.
This railway connectivity will enhance tourism, horticulture, agriculture, education, and benefit the general populace, as the Vande Bharat train, designed specifically for the area's extreme weather, is scheduled to operate on this track.
The train features a specially-designed brake system, and the driver’s windshield is equipped with a defrost system to ensure a clear view of the tracks.
