Global safety standards, ecological safeguards ensured in USBRL project: Railway Minister

Jammu, Aug 7: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has asserted that adherence to adequate global safety provisions and preservation of Himalayan ecology has been ensured while executing the Chenab and Anji bridges, besides other critical components of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

He has stated that despite it (USBRL) being one of the most difficult projects, strict compliance with international norms has been made vis-à-vis safety provisions.

According to Vaishnaw, who is also the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, to ensure minimum disturbance to Himalayan ecology, due care has been taken for slope stabilisation.

“The best institutes of the world were roped in for the execution of this project. Comprehensive schemes for slope stabilisation have been adopted as per the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, guidelines and Detailed Design Consultants’ suggestions to prevent erosion and damage to natural terrains,” he has revealed.

This information was shared by the Union Minister in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

Slope stability at the Chenab Bridge was designed by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and IIT, Delhi. Other global firms having experience of such works were also engaged for an independent check for slope stability for the Chenab bridge. Slope stability at Anji Bridge was also designed and proofchecked by experienced global firms, the minister shared.

“Further, Environmental Impact Assessments due to the construction of the Katra-Qazigund new rail line, including the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, have also been conducted through the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur. Extensive safeguards and mitigation measures have been implemented based on the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) prepared by NEERI,” Vaishnaw asserted.

The USBRL project of total length 272 km, covering the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir, was recently commissioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The USBRL project is one of the most difficult new railway line projects undertaken in the country post-independence. The terrain passes through the young Himalayas, which are full of geological surprises and numerous problems. In this project, Railway has made the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the Indian Railways’ first cable-stayed bridge has been constructed over Anji Khad in this project,” the minister stated.

The iconic Chenab bridge is 1315 m long, having an arch span of 467 m and a height of 359 m above the riverbed. The Anji bridge deck is 331 m above the riverbed level, and the height of its main pylon is 193 m.

The USBRL project, according to Vaishnaw, has made substantial socio-economic contributions to the region, with employment generation being a significant aspect of its impact.

“The project has generated more than 5 Cr man-days of employment. Another crucial facet of the USBRL Project’s socio-economic development efforts has been the construction of over 215 km of approach roads, which include the construction of a tunnel and 320 small bridges. This road network has helped the local population in the improvement of their connectivity with other areas and also improvement in socio-economic states,” Vaishnaw revealed.

Explaining about safety provisions, the Union Minister said that in accordance with international norms, adequate safety provisions were kept in the USBRL project.

“All tunnels having a length of more than 2 km have been provided with mechanical ventilation systems to ensure air quality. Firefighting systems comprising fire hydrants and fire extinguishers have been provided to promptly address and contain potential fire incidents in all the tunnels,” he said.

Further, to ensure the safety of passengers, according to the minister, escape tunnels have also been made where the length of the tunnel is more than 3 km. A network of a total of 66 km of escape tunnels has been created in this project.

Sedimentation tanks, he says, have been constructed at tunnel outlets before discharging into natural nallas to manage tunnel-excavated material. Alternative water sources were provided to villages where natural sources were disrupted by resorting to reverse pumping.

Proper lined drains and stepped chutes were constructed at required locations to ensure smooth flow of surface water and prevent erosion at muck yards.

“Advanced techniques of controlled blasting were adopted during tunnelling to minimise vibrations and environmental damage. Sensors have been installed in all tunnels in the Katra-Banihal section to monitor the air quality during the operational phase also. The entire rail project is electrified using an overhead conductor system in tunnels and in open stretches,” Vaishnaw said.

Describing rail transportation as the most environmentally friendly transportation mode, significantly reducing carbon footprint compared to diesel traction, he said that specific measures for biodiversity conservation were delineated in the EMP (Environmental Management Plan).

“The overall environmental mitigation efforts contribute to protecting local ecology. Guidelines for site preparation for plantation activity on dumping sites include planting native species and turfing with grass for eco-restoration. With the all-weather, reliable and comfortable rail connectivity of the valley portion with the rest of the Indian Railway network, tourism will get a big boost,” Viashna said.

Replying to related aspects, the Union Minister informed the House that the USBRL project (272 km) was constructed completely in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Land acquisitions were carried out as per the prevalent ‘Jammu and Kashmir State Land Acquisition Act 1990’. The land acquisition was conducted through Collector Land Acquisition, appointed by the district administration. Assessment of land ownership, structures, identification of beneficiaries, calculation of compensations for land and structures, trees, etc. was done. Awards in this regard were published, and the compensation amount was disbursed,” he said.

Total land, according to the minister, acquired for the USBRL project included 1559.48 hectares of private land and 276.71 hectares of government land.

“Complete payment of these land acquisitions amounting to Rs 816.21 Cr has already been deposited with the concerned Collector Land Acquisition. The mechanism for resolving pending claims related to land acquisition is already included vide section 18 of the Jammu & Kashmir State Land Acquisition Act 1990,” Vaishnaw said.

“Railways acquire land through concerned state or district authorities. All the activities in connection with land acquisition, like assessment of the amount of compensation to land losers, etc., are under the purview of the state government. Compensation for land acquisition is made to the land losers by the Revenue Department of the state government after demanding the same from Railways,” he clarified.