KH Muniyappa, Union Minister of State for Railways, today said the high priority 288 kms long rail link between Jammu and Kashmir Valley would be commissioned within the target in 2017.
Muniyappa told TNS that work on the prestigious project had got delayed due to geological surprises, including seepage of water, encountered during tunneling in the fragile mountainous terrain.
He said the project was a marvel as it consists of the world’s highest bridges and longest tunnels. The 11-km long tunnel was being constructed under the Pir Panjal range to connect the rail line with the valley.
He described the rail project as the “most difficult” that had ever been taken in hand by the Indian railways. It was far more difficult than the rail line that China has laid up to Tibet.
Muniyappa said the government was serious in completing the project within the stipulated time-frame but many hurdles cropped up due to the topography and the limited working season in hilly area.
Tunneling has come as the biggest challenge as unexpected situations were being faced during the execution of work. He said the rail line was being constructed through the areas that had remained the hotbed of terrorism. However, residents of these areas were providing cooperation to the construction staff as the rail link would provide connectivity to the hinterland.
General Manager of the Northern Railways, VK Gupta, said all trains running on the heritage Kalka-Shimla track were being converted into LED lighting system. So far, only one train has been provided LED lighting and the rest would be converted soon.
