10 key facts about Udhampur-Katra rail link
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the much-awaited Udhampur-Katra train service that will benefit millions of devotees who visit the Vaishno Devi shrine every year.
The devotees will directly be able to travel to Katra, which is the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Here are 10 key facts about the newly-inaugurated train...
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service:
* Once the railway line becomes operational, it will enable pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine to travel directly to the base camp at Katra.
* Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,132.75 crore, the route consists of seven tunnels and 30 small and big bridges. A total of seven tunnels span over 10km of the 25-km stretch.
* PM Modi has suggested that the new train to Katra be named Shreeshakti Express.
* The 53-kilometre-long Jammu-Udhampur railway line was already operational and as the Udhampur-Katra line, which is a part of the Kashmir rail link project, becomes operational the trains would be able to come to Katra directly.
* The Udhampur-Katra rail route was a very challenging project as it passes through a very hostile terrain.
* The tallest bridge on Udhampur-Katra section is 85 metres high and the longest tunnel 3.15-km-long.
* The most difficult task for railways was to complete and lay tracks on 3.1-km-long tunnel on the route.
* Katra station is equipped with modern facilities, including tourist guide counter, cloak room, waiting hall, VIP lounge, escalators and lifts and parking spaces. The four platforms can accommodate 26-coach trains.
* Two trains — Delhi-Katra Express and Kalka-Katra Express — will run on the section.
* There is also a possibility of launching a new train service between Varanasi and Katra — to connect the two holy places by train.