Historic Completion of Final Track Work for T-33 Tunnel Connecting Katra to Reasi Marks Major Milestone in Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project.

Interesting Things to Know about T-33 Tunnel:

1. Final Track Work in Tunnel T-33 Complete: The completion of the ballast-less track work in the 3.2 km-long Tunnel T-33 marks the final step in the tunnel section connecting Katra to Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir, a significant achievement for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This milestone was announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on social media.
2. Tunnel T-33’s Strategic Location: Positioned at the foothills of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Tunnel T-33 is one of the most challenging sections due to difficult geological conditions, including water ingress and shear zones. The tunnel is a key part of the 272 km-long USBRL project that aims to connect Jammu and Kashmir by rail.
3. USBRL Project Nearing Completion: With all tunnels now completed, the USBRL project is on track to be fully operational by the end of this month. After inspection by the Commissioner Railway Safety and subsequent trial runs, the official certification is expected, making the Katra-Reasi stretch ready for train operations.
4. Electrification and Signaling Still Pending: After track laying, the final steps of electrification and signaling will be carried out, with minimal remaining work barring any major issues during inspections or trial runs.
5. Prime Minister’s Upcoming Inauguration: The final 17 km stretch of the rail link is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the first direct train from Kashmir to Delhi scheduled to begin operations in January 2025. The new train will cover the 800 km journey in less than 13 hours.
6. The Scale of the USBRL Project: The USBRL project includes 38 tunnels (totaling 119 km in length) and 927 bridges, including the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Bridge. At a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, the Chenab Bridge is about 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
7. Record-Breaking Tunnels and Bridges: The longest tunnel in the USBRL network, Tunnel T-49, stretches 12.75 km and is India’s longest transportation tunnel. The USBRL project showcases world-class engineering feats that make it one of the most ambitious rail projects in India.
8. Significance for Jammu & Kashmir: Once completed, the USBRL will drastically reduce travel time across the region, enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism and local economies. The new rail link is expected to open up direct access between Kashmir and the rest of India, promoting both cultural and economic exchanges.

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The successful completion of the final track work for Tunnel T-33, a critical section of the USBRL project, has set the stage for the upcoming inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. This major infrastructure development, which includes record-breaking tunnels and bridges, is set to transform travel across Jammu and Kashmir, improving connectivity and significantly reducing travel time between Kashmir and Delhi. The project is on track for completion by the end of 2024, with train services expected to commence in early 2025.