Srinagar, Feb 17 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir is all set to get its first electric train service with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the firs eco-friendly train during his visit to the Union Territory on February 20.

Officials told KNS that the first electric train will from between Banihal and Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla route. Recently completed 48-km rail section between Banihal and Sangaldan in Ramban district will also be inaugurated by PM Modi on February 20.

He will also flag off electric train that will run on the newly constructed rail link and it will be the first electric train to run in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, safety inspection of the Banihal-Sangaldan rail link was completed ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Commissioner of Railways Safety, DC Deshwal, conducted the inspection, ensuring the track, tunnels, and systems are in place.

Currently, diesel-run trains operate on the Baramulla-Banihal section (138 km) and with the new line becoming operational, commuters can now travel by train from Baramulla to Sangaldan. The electrification of this entire section has been completed with Rs 470 crore investment. The section has 19 stations.

The electrification of the stretch will make operation of the Vande Bharat train possible.

This is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which spans through challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal Ranges and it aims to establish an all-weather, comfortable, and economically feasible transportation network with the rest of the country.

Out of the total 272-km USBRL project, 161 km has been commissioned so far. (KNS)