- All tunnels required for the project have been successfully constructed
- IR is edging closer to connecting Kashmir Valley to the rest of the Railway network
Jammu- In a significant breakthrough for the Udhampur-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the 3209 m long Tunnel T-1 between Katra and Reasi Stations was successfully completed on 20.12.2023. This accomplishment marks a monumental stride towards progress and enhanced connectivity.
Tunnel T-1 is located at the foothills of Trikuta Hills near Katra in Reasi District being constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., for Northern Railway under the National Projects. Under the USBRL project, this breakthrough is a key milestone, ensuring that all tunnels required for the project have been successfully constructed. The Katra-Reasi stretch, covering a challenging 111 kilometres, faced multiple interruptions during construction, necessitating the involvement of global experts. Tunnel T-1, formerly recognized as the most challenging tunnel due to its passage through the Himalayan Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), presented formidable geological challenges, including rugged terrain and substantial water inflow from within the tunnel.
The Tunnel alignment cuts across the lesser Himalayas and is characterized by highly jointed and fractured dolomite. Also, a portion of about 300-350m length cuts across a major Shear Zone known as the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). Due to the presence of shear zone coupled with high ingress of water, tunnel excavation in this stretch had been a daunting challenge.
In the beginning, the tunnelling was done adopting conventional NATM Tunnelling philosophy. However, in order to tackle the visco-elastic plastic media of Main Boundary Thrust, the tunnel excavation methodology was switched over from NATM to I – System of Tunnelling by providing deep drainage pipes, Umbrella pipe roofing, chemical grouting, face bolting, sequential excavation with multiple drift, rigid support & shotcreting etc.
By adopting the I – System of Tunnelling, the excavation of Tunnel T1 through MBT (in Heading) has been successfully completed, thus clearing a major impediment in commissioning of the new Railway Line from Katra to Banihal. The breakthrough of this tunnel is seen as one of the biggest achievements of this National Project in making the dream of connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of India a reality.
The completion of this tunnel is a significant achievement in the broader context of the USBRL project, which involves the construction of 38 tunnels between Katra and Banihal. While all tunnels on this rail route have been completed, Tunnel T-1 posed the greatest obstacle, being the longest and encountering unique geological complexities. The project involved meticulous planning and the application of various engineering technologies, ensuring that the 3209m long Tunnel T-1 is now successfully excavated, underscoring the commitment of Indian Railways to infrastructural progress.
As of today, about 318m length of excavation in Benching and about 680m length of concrete lining is balanced. The works are in progress round the clock at full swing to complete the balance works. Indian Railway is edging closer to connecting Kashmir Valley to the rest of the Railway network.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
