The Jammu–Baramulla Rail Link: A Bridge of Integration and Opportunity
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Geography (Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal range, Chenab river), Indian Economy (Infrastructure - Railways), Internal Security (Jammu & Kashmir).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure: Railways; Security challenges and their management in border areas; Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
GS Paper 1: Geographical features and their location.
Key Highlights from the News
After nearly four decades of construction, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been completed.
This 272 km long railway line, passing through the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges, is not just an engineering marvel but also a "bridge of belonging" connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, the article argues.
This project has various significances:
Economic: Connects Kashmir's markets with the rest of the country, facilitates trade, and helps attract investment.
Social: Makes travel for education, employment, and medical treatment easier and more affordable.
Strategic importance: Reduces dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which is often closed due to landslides and snowfall. It will also aid in military movements.
The Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, is part of this project.
The article states that the success of this project now depends on last-mile linkages, station development, and encouraging local entrepreneurs.
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