Raosaheb Patil Danve reviews progress of Katra-Banihal section of Kashmir's USBRL project

The Union Minister said there was no dearth of funds for the development and welfare of the people of the country.

Taking first hand appraisal of pace of progress on land acquisition, availability of construction material and minor minerals, the Minister directed the railway authorities, district administrations and construction agencies to redouble their efforts for timely completion which will connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through rail link.

While enquiring about causes of delay of project, the Minister also sought a detailed report on project's cost escalation from Chief Engineers of all wings of the project.

The Minister was informed that the total length of USBRL is 272 KMs, of which 161 KM has already been commissioned, and the work on the rest 111 Kms Katra-Banihal stretch is in progress and is expected to be completed by April  2023.

The Katra- Banihal stretch comprises 27 nos. of main tunnels and 8 nos. of escape tunnels which involves 97 Kms tunnelling work. The T-49 is the longest tunnel  that runs  12.75 Kms situated between Sumber-Arpinchala in Sangaldan area of the Ramban district.

The project is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 27,949 crores the meeting informed, and as many as 786 people who have lost 75 percent land are provided job in Railway, besides other basic facilities being provided to the locals, the minister said.