Engineering Marvels: The Eco-friendly Rail Link Transforming the Himalayas

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project employs eco-conscious engineering to stabilize slopes and minimize environmental impact in the Himalayan region. It features the world's highest rail bridge over the Chenab River, generating significant employment and integrating comprehensive ecological safeguarding measures.

To protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, including the iconic Chenab and Anji Bridges, employed world-class institutes for slope stabilization, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.

Addressing environmental concerns in the area, Vaishnaw elaborated on extensive Environmental Impact Assessments conducted for the project, emphasizing mitigation measures following NEERI guidelines. The rail link, covering 272 km and multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir, marks an engineering triumph with the world's highest rail bridge at Reasi.

The project significantly benefits the region socially and economically, having generated over five crore man-days of employment. Advanced techniques ensure minimal ecological disturbance, with provisions to protect biodiversity, manage water resources, and maintain air quality, highlighting the project's commitment to ecological sustainability.

(With inputs from agencies.)