Siemens Limited, a global leader in electrification technologies, has played a pivotal role in the electrification of a significant stretch along the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in India. This stretch includes the crowning jewel of the project: the longest rail tunnel spanning an impressive 12.8 kilometres through the Pir Panjal Range.
More Details:
Siemens Limited is privileged to have provided rail electrification technologies for a 42-kilometre-long stretch, including the longest rail tunnel (12.8-kilometers) at Pir Panjal range, on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
Image Credit (representational):Konkan Railway
The project is part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Katra-Quazigund-Baramulla Railway line of the Indian Railways, the largest construction of a mountain railway line since India’s independence, with a length of 345 kilometres and at a height of approximately 1,700 metres above sea level. Siemens Limited’s scope included the design, engineering, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 25kV overhead equipment and associated works.
Expert Insights:
Mr. Gunjan Vakharia, Head of Mobility Business, Siemens Limited, said, “We are extremely proud to be associated with this project, which is of national importance. The installation team overcame challenges such as extreme temperatures and unexplored terrain to ensure a successful execution of the project. We would like to thank the Indian Railways for their continued trust and support to Siemens.”
What is USBRL Project:
- With a view to provide an alternative and a reliable transportation system to Jammu & Kashmir, Govt. of India planned a 272 Km. long Railway Line from Udhampur to Baramulla joining the Kashmir valley with the Indian Railways network under Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link Project (USBRL).
Image Credit (representational):Konkan Railway
- This project has been the most challenging work undertaken post-independence by Indian Railways. In view of the importance of the USBRL project in providing seamless and hassle-free connectivity, the Project was declared as a “National Project” in 2002.
- The alignment of USBRL involves construction of a large number of Tunnels and Bridges in highly rugged and mountainous terrain with most difficult and complex Himalayan geology.
- This Project involves 38 Tunnels (combined length of 119 Km), the longest Tunnel (T-49) having a length of 12.75 Km and is the country’s longest transportation tunnel.
- There are 927 nos. of Bridges (combined length of 13 Km). These bridges include the iconic Chenab Bridge (Overall length 1315 m, Arch span of 467 m and height of 359 m above river bed) which will be the highest railway bridge in the world. Indian railway’s first cable-stayed bridge is also being constructed on Anji Khad.
The USBRL project epitomises India’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development, heralding a new era of transportation access and economic growth for the region.
Source: Siemens- Press Release | Featured Image Credit: Siemens Limited
