Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project Faces Delay as Tunnel Communication Lags Behind

Udhampur, J&K — The much-anticipated completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project has hit a major snag due to pending communication system installations inside critical tunnels. Northern Railway, in a stern letter, has highlighted serious lapses by the Konkan Railway Communication Limited (KRCL), its official communication service provider for the project.

The final stretch between Katra and Sangaldan, part of the ambitious 272-kilometre USBRL initiative, was scheduled for a grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19, 2025. However, the event was postponed due to adverse weather predictions — and now, due to unresolved technical hurdles, a new date remains uncertain.

Tunnel Communication Work Incomplete

According to an internal communication accessed by sources, Northern Railway has expressed deep concern over the unfinished installation and fine-tuning of the Very High Frequency (VHF) communication systems inside the escape tunnels along the Katra-Sangaldan route.

Despite multiple written instructions and verbal follow-ups,Konkan Railway Communication Limited has not completed key communication installations. The letter states that communication systems in the escape tunnels between Sangaldan-Dugga and Katra-Reasi sections remain non-functional. Moreover, crucial components for the tunnel ‘adits’ — the access points — are yet to be delivered.

Commissioner’s Inspection Passed, But Gaps Persist

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) had conducted inspections on two sections — Sangaldan to Reasi on June 18, 2024, and Reasi to Katra on January 8, 2025. However, despite these checks, tunnel VHF systems are still not operational, making it impossible for the Northern Railway to hand over these sections to the Jammu Division for operations.

Major Technical Issues Reported

The letter paints a worrying picture. It highlights frequent communication breakdowns, poor voice clarity, and noise disruptions in the main tunnels, along with limited coverage that restricts communication to only one station at a time. All six channels designated for VHF communication reportedly require immediate fine-tuning by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Additionally, the Voice Recording Equipment (VRE) — vital for monitoring and safety — is yet to be supplied and installed across all block sections between Katra and Sangaldan. Compounding the issue, Radio Over IP (ROIP) systems for the new divisional control office in Jammu have not been initiated either.

Northern Railway Urges Immediate Action

Calling the situation “critical,” the Northern Railway has demanded urgent intervention from KRCL for the completion and commissioning of all VHF communication systems without any further delay. It emphasized that VHF Tunnel Communication is essential for safe and efficient train operations, especially in the strategically important Katra-Banihal section.

Current Operational Status

At present, train services are operational from Baramulla to Sangaldan, passing through Qazigund and Banihal, offering partial connectivity. However, until the tunnel communication issues are resolved and safety standards are met, the full commissioning of the Katra-Sangaldan link remains stalled.

The USBRL project is more than just a rail link; it’s a strategic lifeline aimed at bridging Kashmir with the rest of India. While the engineering marvel has come a long way, last-mile communication readiness now poses the final hurdle. With public anticipation running high and national interest at stake, timely resolution of these issues is imperative for the historic project to reach completion.