A significant milestone has been reached under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project with the successful breakthrough of the 3,209 meters long Tunnel T-1 between Katra and Reasi Stations. This tunnel marks the completion of all the tunnels under the USBRL Project.
Situated at the foothills of the Trikuta Hills near Katra in the Reasi District, Tunnel T-1 is a crucial part of the USBRL Project and is being constructed by the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. for Northern Railway under the National Projects initiative.
The tunnel alignment traverses the lesser Himalayas and is characterized by highly jointed and fractured dolomite. A section of approximately 300-350 meters length crosses a major Shear Zone known as the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). The presence of the shear zone, coupled with a high ingress of water, posed significant challenges during tunnel excavation in this stretch.
Initially, conventional New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) philosophy was employed for tunneling. However, to address the visco-elastic plastic media of the Main Boundary Thrust, the tunnel excavation methodology was shifted from NATM to I-System of Tunnelling. This involved the implementation of deep drainage pipes, umbrella pipe roofing, chemical grouting, face bolting, sequential excavation with multiple drift, rigid support, and shotcreting.
The successful completion of Tunnel T-1 through the MBT marks a major achievement in overcoming challenges and paves the way for the commissioning of the new Railway Line from Katra to Banihal. This breakthrough is considered a significant step forward in realizing the goal of connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
Currently, approximately 318 meters of excavation in Benching and about 680 meters of concrete lining are pending. The ongoing works are in progress round the clock at full swing to complete the remaining tasks. The breakthrough of Tunnel T-1 is celebrated as a major accomplishment in making the dream of connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India a reality.
